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Member's  Official  Regalia 


To  Wear  at  Meetings 


Sttual 
3ausAnB  of  Am^rira 


Authorized  at  the  San  Francisco  Convention  of 
the  Supreme  Court,  August  25,  1915,  and  adopted  by 
the  Supreme  Executive  Committee  December  11, 1915. 


Jersey  City,  N.  J. 
P.  E.  Graham,  Printer,  44  Montgomery  Street 
1916 


THIS  EITUAL  IS  THE  PROPEETY  OF  THE 
SUPREME  COERT,  FORESTERS  OF  AMERICA.  A>D 
MEST  BE  SERREXDERED  OX  DEMAND. 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS 


All  movements  on  the  floor  while  the  Court  is  in  session  must 
be  at  right  angles. 

Plan  of  a  Court  room  is  as  shown  in  Diagram  No.  1. 

The  correct  placing  of  the  flag  on  the  altar  is  shown  in  Diagram 
No.  2. 

When  visitors,  who  are  Past  Chief  Rangers  or  higher  Officers, 
are  announced  as  such  (while  the  meeting  is  in  session),  the 
Chief  Ranger  will  appoint  a  Committee  to  escort  them  in  and  in- 
troduce them  to  the  members.  On  entering  the  meeting  (as  soon 
as  the  door  is  opened),  the  Court  will  be  raised  and  the  Welcome 
Ode  sung.  The  honors  are  extended  by  the  Chief  Ranger  saying, 
"Brothers  you  will  join  me  in  extending  the  Supreme  (or  Grand, 
as  the  case  may  be)  honors.  The  salutation  sign  is  given  after 
the  address  of  welcome  by  the  presiding  officer.  The  members  re- 
main standing  until  the  visiting  officer  is  escorted  to  the  right 
of  the  Chief  Ranger. 

Senior  Woodward  will  arise  and  answer  to  the  roll  call  of 
officers. 

The  odes  as  prescribed  in  the  ritual  must  not  be  omitted. 
The  Officers  are  required  by  law  to  memorize  their  respective 
parts  within  thirty  days  from  installation. 
During  initiation,  smoking  is  prohibited. 

The  official  members  regalia  must  be  worn  by  the  members  at 
meetings. 

The  honors  to  be  extended  to  a  Supreme  Court  Officer  are 
....  (No  18),  and  to  a  Grand  Court  Officer  ....  (No.  19), 
as  found  in  the  cipher  book. 

The  entire  paraphernalia  for  the  proper  working  of  this  degree 
can  be  procured  from  the  Supreme  Court  through  your  Grand 
Secretary. 

When  the  Senior  Woodward  is  draping  a  station,  the  officer 
must  stand. 

The  idea  in  initiation  is  that  of  a  recruit  seeking  admission  into 
the  Foresters  of  America  as  a  patriotic  and  fraternal  society. 
The  Junior  Beadle  is  friendly  and,  to  insure  his  safety,  he  gives 
the  applicant  ....  (No.  1  in  the  Cipher  Book)  as  a  token  of 
the  Order. 

The  Captain  of  the  Guard  shall  be  elected  by  the  members  at 
each  annual  election. 

If  more  than  one  candidate,  all  but  one  shall  be  conducted  to 
and  seated  in  the  room  at  the  left  of  the  Junior  Past  Chief 
Ranger,  there  to  remain  until  further  directed.  The  ceremony 
will  proceed  with  the  one  candidate  selected. 

The  tableaux  should  be  shown  with  the  room  in  darkness. 
Light  can  be  thrown  on  same  by  such  arrangement  as  can  be 
worked  out  to  meet  the  di^erent  conditions  of  lodge  rooms. 


8 


All  Courts  must  be  equipped  with  a  Beneficiary  Book,  a  Vis- 
itors Book  and  an  official  Officers  Roll  Book. 

Music  should  accompany  all  floor  movements  during  initiation; 
also  the  floor  movements  of  officers  in  the  regular  business  of 
the  Court. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  to  see  that  this  ritual 
is  strictly  observed  by  every  Court,  and  there  must  be  no  additions 
or  eliminations.  It  may  be  exemplified  by  district  teams  under  the 
directions  of  a  Supervising  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger. 

The  Junior  Beadle  is  the  custodian  of  the  members'  regalia. 
It  is  his  duty  to  distribute  same  am.ong  the  members  before  the 
meeting  opens  and  to  hand  one  to  each  member  before  he  enters 
the  room  while  the  meeting  is  in  session. 

SUPREME  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 


Supreme  Chief  Ranger, 


Supreme  Sub-Chief  Ranger, 


Supreme  Treasurer, 


RITUAL 


I.  Opening 

Senior  Woodward  will  place  a  gavel  and  ritual  at  each 
station  before  the  meeting  is  opened. 

At  the  time  appointed  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Court,  the 
Chief  Ranger  will  assume  his  station  and  call  the  meeting  to 
order. 

C.  R. —  ^  The  officers  and  members  will  clothe 
themselves  in  the  official  regalia  and  the  officers  will  as- 
sume their  stations.  The  Junior  Woodward  will  invite  all 
Foresters  into  the  chamber  and  see  that  the  doors  are 
closed  and  guarded.  The  Senior  Woodv^^ard  v^ill  ap- 
proach this  station,  communicate  the  pass  word,  receive 
same  from  those  present,  and  examine  the  due  receipts. 

The  Junior  Woodward  approaches  the  altar,  gives  the  retiring 
sign,  goes  to  the  anteroom,  invites  all  Foresters  into  the  chamber, 
directs  that  the  doors  be  locked  and  guarded,  returns  to  the 
meeting  room,  and  gives  the  salutation  sign. 

J.  W. —  {From  in  front  of  the  altar.)  Worthy  Chief 
Ranger,  the  doors  are  properly  guarded,  the  olficers  are 
at  their  stations,  and  I  have  invited  all  Foresters  into  the 
chamber. 

The  Senior  Woodward  approaches  the  altar,  gives  the  sal- 
utation sign,  and  proceeds  to  take  up  the  pass  word  and  to 
examine  the  due  receipts.  In  the  event  of  a  member's  receipt 
not  being  satisfactory,  the  Senior  Woodward  will  so  report  to 
the  Chief  Ranger.  Visiting  brothers  will  be  placed  by  the 
Senior  Woodward  at  the  altar.  When  his  duties  are  com- 
pleted, the  Senior  Woodward  takes  a  position  immediately  in 
front  of  the  altar  and  says: 

S.  W. — (Giving  salutation  sign.)  Worthy  Chief  Ranger, 
I  am  satisfied  that  all  present  are  members  of  this  Court 
(if  there  are  visitors)  except  the  Brothers  whom  I  have 
placed  before  the  altar  and  whom  I  now  take  pleasure  in 
introducing. 

The  Senior  Woodward  introduces  the  Visitors  by  announc- 
ing from  the  due  receipts  their  names  and  the  names  and 
location  of  the  Courts  of  which  they  are  members,  and  the 
oflFice,  if  any,  they  bold  in  the  Order. 


10 


C.  R.—  *  ^  *    We  will  sing  the  Welcome  Ode. 
Welcome  Ode.  rvn-Gnta^e.iaAfB, 


1  ^ 

m 

»■ 

r  f-  1 

•1 — /» '  ?  ' 

  * — 

~ — 0=^ 

'- — 

1  Welcome,  brothers,  vrelcome  ever. 

To  our  Court  in  friendship's  name, 
Here  we  greet  you  kindly,  brother, 

Trusting  jou  vrill  do  the  same. 
AH  our  hopes  are  one  in  union, 

All  our  strength  may  we  unite. 
Then  let  us  meet  in  sweet  cwimimuon 

Ready  ever  to  do  right. 


2  May  our  Order  always  prosper. 

Grow  in  strength  and  commoh  sense. 
Help  the  sick  that  none  may  stiffer. 

While  we  have  benevolence. 
May  our  Courts  prove  always  blessings. 

To  eacb  brotbei  thus  afford 
Peace  instead  of  want  distressing. 
While  we  dwell  in  sweet  Concord. 


C.  R. — My  brother,  it  is  indeed,  a  pleasure  to  welcome 
you  at  this  meeting  and  I  hope  you  will  enjoy  your  visit. 
We  extend  fraternal  greetings  and  I  cordially  invite  you  to 
a  seat  {among  the  brothers  or)  on  the  dais. 

After  the  address  of  welcome,  the  visitors  give  the  salu- 
tation sign,  which  is  answered  by  the  Chief  Ranger.  If,  among 
the  visitors,  there  are  Past  Chief  Rangers  or  higher  officers, 
they  will  be  escorted  to  seats  upon  the  dais.  The  Senior 
Woodward  returns  to  the  visitors  their  due  receipts,  and 
assumes  his  station.  ^  The  Chief  Ranger  pauses  sufficiently 
long  to  permit  the  visitors  to  become  seated- 

C.  R. —  'ji^  The  Senior  Woodward  vi^ill  prepare  the 
Court  room  and  those  present  will  observe  order 

The  Senior  Woodward  secures  from  his  station  the  banners 
and  flag  and  proceeds  to  the  altar;  gives  the  salutation 
sign;  and  drapes  the  stations  and  altar  as  follows: 

He  first  advances  to  the  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  and  says, 
as  he  drapes  the  station  with  the  banner  of  Liberty: 

S.  W. — Liberty:  God  Grant  it  to  those  who  love  and 
defend  it. 

He  will  then  advance  to  the  station  of  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger, 
and  say,  as  he  drapes  the  station  with  the  banner  of  Unity: 

S.  W. — Unity  teaches  us  the  power  of  harmony. 

He  will  then  advance  to  the  station  of  the  Lecturer,  and 
drape  the  station  with  the  banner  of  Benevolence. 


11 


S.  W. — Benevolence  is  the  watchword  of  our  Order. 

It  is  the  life  blood  that  gives  it  energy  and  vitality. 

He  will  then  advance  to  the  station  of  the  Chief  Ranger, 
which  he  drapes  with  the  banner  of  Concord. 

S.  W. — Concord  unites  us  in  a  common  obligation 
and  enables  us  to  practice  the  virtues  of  Liberty,  Unity, 
and  Benevolence. 

He  will  then  advance  to  the  front  of  the  altar,  which  he 
drapes  with  the  American  flag-,  being  careful  to  have  the  field 
of  blue  on  the  right  side  of  the  altar  facing  the  Sub-Chief 
Ranger.  Diagram  No.  2.  When  the  Senior  Woodward  is  in 
front  of  the  altar  the  Chief  Ranger  says: 

C.  R. —  ^  ^  ^  We  will  sing  the  first  verse  of  the 
"Star  Spangled  Banner.'* 


Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn's  early  light. 
What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming, 
Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro'  the  perilous  fight. 
O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch' d,  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 
Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 


12 


On  the  shore  dimly  seen  thro'  the  mists  of  the  deep, 
There  the  foe's  haughty  host  in  dread  silence  reposes. 
What  is  that  which  the  breeze,  o'er  the  towering  steep. 
As  it  fitfully  blows,  half  conceals,  half  discloses? 
Now  it  catches  the  gleam  of  the  morning's  first  beam« 
In  full  glory  reflected,  now  shines  on  the  stream: 
'Tis  the  star-spangled  banner:  oh,  long  may  it  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 

And  where  is  that  band  who  so  vauntingly  swore, 
That  the  havoc  of  war  and  the  battle's  confusion, 
A  home  and  a  country  should  leave  us  no  more? 
Their  blood  has  wash'd  out  their  foul  footsteps^  pollution. 
No  refuge  could  save  the  hireling  and  slave 
From,  the  terror  of  flight  or  the  gloom  of  the  grave: 
And  the  star-spangled  banner  In  triumph  doth  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 

Oh,  thus  it  be  ever  when  freeman  shall  stand 

Between  their  loved  home  and  wild  war's  desolation; 

Blest  with  vict'ry  and  peace,  may  the  heav'n-resured  land 

Praise  the  pow'r  that  hath  made  and  preserved  us  a  nation! 

Then  conquer  we  must,  when  our  cause  it  is  just. 

And  this  be  our  motto:  "In  God  is  our  trust.'" 

And  the  star-spangled  banner  in  triumph  shall  wave 

O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 

S.  W. — The  flag  of  our  Nation  is  in  position  upon  the 
altar.  It  is  the  emblem  of  our  Order.  Its  stars,  stripes 
and  colors  symbolize  our  motto — Liberty,  Unity,  Ben- 
evolence and  Concord. 

After  having  prepared  the  Court  room  by  placing  the  banners 
and  flag  as  herein  directed,  the  Senior  Woodward,  from  directly  in 
front  of  the  altar,  will  give  the  salutation  sign  and  say: 

S.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  all  preparations  have 
been  made.  The  Court  room  is  in  order.  (Assumes  his 
station.) 

C.  R. — My  brothers,  let  our  deliberations  be  marked 
by  fraternal  forbearance  and  good  will.    The  opening  , 
ceremony  will  be  concluded  with  the  singing  of  the 
opening  ode. 


13 


1 — 1 

May  every  heart-be  gnlded. 

By  wisdom  from  above  j 
O'lr  purpose  undivided, 

A  orotlierbood  of  love. 
Wbile  from  our  vales  and  mountaifl^ 

Aa4  every  distaat  shoro. 


ShaU  rise  one  mighty  psefta^ 
Till  time  shall  be  no  niof^ 

Then  bless  our  noble  Ordef» 
And  may  i%  ever  &tandj| 

An  e;nblem  of  trca  uniodj. 
Tlie  bulwark  of  oox  laxm 


C.  R. — I  declare  Court  

No  ,  in  the  Grand  Jurisdiction  of  

open  in  due  form.    Observe  the  Chair. 

Members  observe  the  Chair  by  giving  the  sahitation  sign, 
which  is  returned  by  the  Chief-Ranger. 


C.  R.-* 


II.    Roll  Call  of  Officers. 

C.  R. — The  Recording  Secretary  will  call  the  roll  of 
officers  and  note  absentees. 

The  Recording  Secretary  calls  the  roll  of  officers  from  the 
Officers  Roll  Book;  and  the  Senior  Woodward  arises  and 
responds.    A  note  is  made  of  the  absentees. 

C.  R. — The  officers  who  were  absent  from  the  last 
meeting  will  now  present  their  excuses. 

Officers  absent  from  the  last  meeting  will,  in  order  of  their 
position,  be  heard  and  their  excuses  acted  upon. 


14 

III.  Reading  of  Minutes. 

C.  R.— The  Minutes  of  the  last  meeting  will  be  read. 
When  the  Minutes  are  read. 

9-  — If  there  are  no  corrections  to  be  made,  the 
Minutes  will  stand  approved  as  read. 

If  corrections  are  made. 

C.  R. — The  Minutes,  having  been  read  and  corrected, 
will  stand  approved  as  amended. 

IV.  Sick  and  Distressed. 

C.  R. — The  officers  and  Visiting  Committee  on  Sick 
and  Distressed  Members  will  report. 

The  officers  and  Visiting  Committee  report. 

C.  R. — The  Financial  Secretary  will  announce  the 
names  of  the  members  who  reported  sick  since  the  last 
meeting. 

Financial  Secretary  does  so  and  states  if  they  are  or  are  not 
entitled  to  receive  sick  benefits. 

C.  R. — The  proper  report  having  been  rendered,  I 
now  declare  the  brothers  so  reported  as  being  on  the  funds 
(or  not  on  the  funds  as  the  case  may  be)  of  this  Court. 

C.  R. — We  will  listen  to  the  reading  of  Physician's 
Certificates. 

The  Physician's  Certificate  will  be  read. 

C.  R. — We  will  listen  to  the  reading  of  Physician's 
Reports. 

Physician  reports,  if  any,  will  be  read. 

After  the  officers  and  Visiting  Committee  report,  and  after 
the  Physician's  Certificates  and  reports,  if  any,  have  been 
presented. 

C.  R. — The  report  of  the  officers  and  Visiting  Com- 
mittee will  be  received  and  accepted.  The  Physician's 
Certificates  will  be  received  and  referred  to  the  Finance 
Committee,  who  will  report  thereon  in  the  proper  order 


15 


of  business.  The  report  of  the  Physician  will  be 
received  and  recorded  in  the  Minutes. 

Finance  Committee  endorses  on  the  back  of  the  certificates 
its  recommendations  together  with  the  amount  of  sick  bene- 
fits, if  any,  to  which  each  member  is  entitled;  and  reports 
under  Rule  12. 

C.  R. — Brother  Financial  Secretary,  have  any  of  our 
members  or  any  of  our  member's  wives  died  since  the 
last  meeting? 

Financial  Secretary  reports.  If  any  of  the  members  have 
died  since  the  last  meeting. 

C.  R. — My  Brothers,  it  is,  indeed,  a  sad  duty  we  are 
now  called  upon  to  perform;  and  I  fully  express  your 
sentiment  when  I  say,  "We  are  grieved  because  of  this 
death."  As  a  mark  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the 
deceased,  I  request  that  you  arise  at  the  sound  of  the 
gavel  and  stand  in  silence  until  seated  by  the  Chair. 

C.  R.-  ★  ★  ★ 

At  the  expiration  of  one  minute: 

C.  R.-  ★ 

A  Memorial  address  may  be  delivered  or  any  ceremony  ap- 
propriate to  the  occasion  adopted. 

C.  R. — Worthy  Financial  Secretary,  have  you  any 
proofs  of  death  to  submit  at  this  meeting. 

Financial  Secretary  reports. 

C.  R. — Worthy  Financial  Secretary,  are  there  any 
members  to  be  reported  off  the  funds  at  this  meeting? 
Financial  Secretary  reports. 

C.  R. — Does  any  brother  know  of  any  other  member 
of  this  Court  who  is  ill,  in  distress,  or  out  of  employ- 
ment,''   If,  so  he  will  report  the  same  now. 

If  any  member  (who  has  not  been  reported)  is  ill,  in  distress, 
out  of  employment  or  in  need  of  assistance,  it  should  be  reported 
under  this  rule. 

V.  Communications 

C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  if  you  have  any 
communications  on  your  desk,  please  read  them. 


16 


All  communications  from  the  Supreme  and  Grand  Court 
must  be  read  in  full  and  cannot  be  considered  read  and 
ordered  filed  without  actually  having  been  read. 

C.  R. — What  is  your  pleasure  with  the  communica- 
tions just  read? 

If  necessary  any  particular  communication  may  be  referred 
to  and  acted  upon  under  New  Business. 

VI.  Bills 

C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  if  there  are  any 
bills  on  your  desk,  you  will  now  present  them. 

The  Recording  Secretary  reads  the  bills. 

C.  R. — The  bills  just  read  will  be  received  and  referred 
to  the  Finance  Committee. 

VII.    Applications  for  Membership 

C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  if  you  have  any 
applications  to  present,  you  will  please  read  them. 

The  Recording  Secretary  will  read,  if  there  are  any,  the 
applications  for  membership,  but  may  omit  the  printed  part. 

C.  R. — If  any  brother  knows  of  any  reason  why  this 
application  should  not  be  received,  he  will  make  known 
his  objection  (pauses  sufficiently  long  for  objections  to  be 
made.  If  there  are  no  objections).  As  many  as  are  in 
favor  of  receiving  this  application  will  manifest  in  the 
usual  manner.  {Members  vote.)  Those  who  are  opposed 
will  now  vote.   {Members  vote.) 

If  the  vote  is  unfavorable,  Chief  Ranger  orders  the  applica- 
tion returned  with  the  fee. 

C.  R. — The  application  has  {or  has  not)  been  ac- 
cepted. (//  accepted)  :  I  will  refer  same  to  a  committee 
on  investigation  as  is  required  by  the  laws  of  the  Order. 

The  Chief  Ranger  will  appoint  the  Investigating  Committee 
by  furnishing  the  Recording  Secretary  with  the  names,  of 
those  whom  he  desires  to  appoint.  The  Recording  Secretary 
shall  notify  each  member  of  his  appointment,^  which  notice 
shall  contain  the  name  and  address  of  the  applicant  and  shall 
be  on  the  official  form  furnished  by  the  Supreme  Court.  It 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Financial  Secretary  to  take  such  infer- 


17 

mation  as  may  be  required,  from  the  application  paper,  and 
forward  same  to  the  Court  or  Examining  Physician,  so  it  will 
be  in  the  possession  of  the  Doctor  when  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee seek  to  have  the  candidate  examined. 

VIII.    Report  of  Investigating  Committee 

C.  R. — The  Report  of  the  Investigating  Committee  will 
now  be  read. 
This  is  done  by  the  Recording  Secretary. 

C.  R. — You  have  heard  the  report  of  the  Committee 
on  Investigation.  If  there  are  no  objections,  the  report 
will  be  received,  accepted,  and  recorded  in  the  Minutes. 

If  there  are  any  objections  toi  the  report's  being  received, 
the  question  shall  be  referred  to  the  meeting. 

IX.    Balloting  on  Candidates 

C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  if  there  are  can- 
didates to  be  balloted  for,  you  will  please  announce  the 
name,  address,  age,  and  occupation  of  each  one. 

Recording  Secretary  does  so. 

C.  R. — Does  any  memb-er  know  anything  which  should 
prevent  the  admission  of  this  candidate?  If  so,  he  will 
make  known  his  objections. 

After  a  pause  to  permit  of  objections,  and  no  objections 
being  made. 

C.  R. — No  objection  having  been  made,  we  will  pro- 
ceed to  ballot  on  the  candidate  just  announced  by  the 
Recording  Secretary.  The  Senior  Woodward  will  prepare 
the  ballot  box. 

The  Senior  Woodward  proceeds  to  the  altar,  gives  the  salu- 
tation sign,  and  prepares  the  ballot  box  which  he  presents  to 
the  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  then  to  the  Chief  Ranger,  for  inspection; 
and  places  it  on  the  altar,  gives  the  salutation  sign,  and  takes 
a  position  about  midway  between  the  altar  and  his  station,  fac- 
ing the  Chief  Ranger. 

C.  R. —  ^  Let  me  remind  you  that  white  balls  elect  and 
black  ones  reject.  Be  careful  in  casting  your  vote.  Per- 
mit no  personal  prejudice  to  sway  your  judgment;  but  re- 
member that  we  open  our  doors  to  all  white  men  who  be- 


18 


lieve  in  a  Supreme  Being,  are  of  good  character  and  of 
sound  health. 

In  case  of  more  than  one  candidate. 

C.  R. — If  there  are  no  objections,  the  ballot  will  be  a 
collective  one.  If  any  member  objects  to  a  collective  bal- 
lot, each  candidate  will  be  voted  for  separately.  {Pauses 
sufficiently  long  to  permit  of  objection  to  a  collective  bal- 
lot. If  there  are  no  objections,  Chief  Ranger  continues)  : 
There  being  no  objections  to  a  collective  ballot,  you  will 
proceed  to  vote,  beginning  with  the  members  on  my  left. 

The  members  in  voting  will  be  kept  in  order  by  the  Senior 
Woodward,  who  will  allow  only  one  to  pass  at  a  time.  Before 
the  member  votes  he  will  give  the  salutation  sign.. 

After  it  appears  that  all  have  voted  who  wish: 

C.  R. — If  all  who  so  desire  have  voted,  I  shall  declare 
the  ballot  box  closed.    {Pauses.)    And  I  so  order.  ^ 

At  least  seven  votes  must  he  cast  to  constitute  an  election. 

The  Senior  Woodward  proceeds  to  the  altar,  gives  the  salu- 
tation sign,  and  takes  the  ballot  box  for  examination  to  the 
Sub-Chief  Ranger,  then  to  the  Chief  Ranger.  After  the  Chief 
Ranger  has  examined  the  ballot: 

C.  R. — Worthy  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  how  do  you  find  the 
ballot? 

S.  C.  R. — {Arising.)  I  find  the  ballot  clear  {or  not 
clear). 

C.  R. — I,  too,  find  the  ballot  clear  {or  not  clear,  as  the 
case  may  be),  and  declare  {if  ballot  is  clear)  the  candi- 
date duly  and  legally  elected  to  become  a  member  of  this 
Court  by  initiation. 

If  four  or  more  black  balls  or  cubes  have  been  cast,  the 
Chief  Ranger  will  immediately  order  another  ballot.  If,  on 
the  second  ballot,  four  or  more  balls  or  cubes  again  appear, 
the  Chief  Ranger  will  declare  candidate  rejected. 

X .  Initiation 

C.  R. —  ^  The  Senior  Woodward  will  retire  and  ascer- 
tain if  there  are  any  strangers  seeking  admission. 

The  Senior  Woodward  approaches  the  altar,  gives  the  retir- 
ing sign,  goes  to  the  anteroom.  Upon  his  return,  which  is 
in  due  form,  he  says,  while  in  front  of  the  altar: 


19 


S.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  find  in  the  anteroom  a 
stranger  who  answers  to  the  name  of  (name  in  full). 
He  desires  admission  into  our  Order  and  insructions 
in  its  mysteries. 

Senior  Woodward  salutes  and  assumes  his  station. 

C.  R. — The  Financial  Secretary  will  retire,  question  the 
stranger  as  provided  by  our  laws,  and  make  the  necessary 
collection. 

Financial  Secretary  proceeds  to  the  altar,  gives  retiring  sign, 
and  goes  to  the  anteroom.  While  the  Financial  Secretary  is  out, 
the  Court  may  proceed  with  other  business..  Upon  returning, 
which  must  be  in  due  form,  he  reports  as  follows: 

F.  S. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  have  followed  your  in- 
structions and  questioned  the  stranger.  He  has  an- 
swered satisfactorily  and  has  complied  with  the  laws  of 
the  Order. 

C.  R. — The  Financial  Secretary  will  assume  his  station. 
{Financial  Secretary  does  so.)  The  Senior  Beadle  will 
instruct  the  Junior  Beadle  to  prepare  the  stranger  for 
initiation. 

S.  B: — (Opening  the  door.)  Broth-er  Junior  Beadle, 
the  Chief  Ranger  orders  that  the  candidate  be  prepared 
for  initiation. 

J.  B. —  (From  the  anteroom.)  The  orders  of  the  Chief 
Ranger  shall  be  obeyed. 

The  Junior  Beadle  prepares  candidate  by  blindfolding  him 
and  placing  a  package  of  papers  into  the  inside  pocket  of  his 
coat  and  ....  (No.  1  in  the  cipher  book)  in  his  outside  coat  or 
vest  pocket. 

S.  B. —  (From  his  station,  giving  salutation  sign.) 
Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  have  communicated  your  orders 
to  the  Junior  Beadle  and  he  reports  that  the  candidate 
is  being  prepared. 

C.  R. —  ^  We  will  now  prepare  for  the  reception  of 
the  candidate;  as  we  cannot  overestimate  the  value  of  first 
inipressions,  let  silence  be  observed.  The  Senior  Beadle 
will  allow  no  one  to  enter  or  leave  the  room  during  the 
initiation.  The  Junior  Woodward  will  proceed  with  the 
preparations. 


20 


The  Junior  Woodward  approaches  the  altar,  gives  salutation 
sign,  and  proceeds  with  his  duties.  In  preparing  the  room 
for  the  initiation,  the  Junior  Woodward  will  see  that  ....  (No. 
1  in  the  cipher  book)  is  placed  at  the  station  of  the  Chief  Ranger; 
that  the  lights  in  the  room  are  dimmed  and  the  officers  properly 
robed  and  at  their  stations.  This  done,  the  Junior  Woodward 
approaches  the  altar,  gives  the  salutation  sign. 

J.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  room  is  prepared 
for  the  ceremony  of  initiation.     (Assumes  his  station.) 

C.  R. — The  Senior  Beadle  will  indicate  to  the  Junior 
Beadle  that  we  are  in  readiness. 

The  Senior  Beadle  will  give  one  rap  on  the  door  to  indicate  to 
the  Junior  Beadle  in  the  anteroom  that  all  is  in  readiness  within. 
The  Junior  Beadle  from  without  will  give  one  rap  which  will  indi- 
cate that  he  is  ready  with  the  candidate.  The  one  rap  on  the 
door  given  by  the  Junior  Beadle  from  without  will  be  answered 
by  one  from  within.  The  Senior  Beadle  then  opens  the  door  and 
the  candidate  is  admitted,  escorted  by  the  Junior  Beadle.  When 
candidate  is  safely  in  the  room  he  is  left  to  his  own  resources 
and  the  Junior  Beadle  assumes  his  station.  Soft  music,  which 
should  stop  when  the  Woodwards  seize  candidate.  Senior  Beadle 
follows  behind  candidate  to  guide  him,  if  necessary.  Woodwards 
rush  forward  and  seize  him.    Diagram  No.  3. 

S.  W. — Who  are  you,  sir?  What  is  your  business  in 
this  Forest?  Have  you  no  answer  to  make?  Brother 
Junior  Woodward,  bind  his  hands!  (Junior  Woodward 
does  so.)    Search  him. 

Junior  Woodward  searches  him  and  finds  papers  and  hands 
them  to  Senior  Woodward,  who  looks  them  over  and  then 
says  : 

S.  W. — Ha!  I  believe  he  is  a  spy!  Let  us  take  him 
to  our  Chief. 

Candidate  is  taken  to  Chief  Ranger,  the  Woodwards  at 
either  side  of  candidate. 

S.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  as  the  Junior  Wood- 
-  ward  and  myself  were  guarding  this  Court,  we  saw  this 
stranger.  Deeming  his  actions  suspicious,  we  made  him 
a  prisoner.  He  was  unable  to  explain  his  presence  to  our 
satisfaction,  and,  on  searching  him,  we  found  these  pa- 
pers, which  appear  to  be  a  plan  of  our  Forestic  Court. 
Believing  him  to  be  a  spy,  we  have  brought  him  before  you 
for  examination. 


21 


Senior  Woodward  hands  papers  to  Chief  Ranger,  who 
examines  them. 

C.  R — Sir,  such  papers  as  these  should  be  in  the  hands 
of  none  but  a  most  trusted  officer  of  this  Court.  We  are 
here  in  this  Forest  surrounded  by  enemies  who  seek  our 
destruction.  For  our  safety,  we  are  compelled  to  punish 
the  slightest  act  of  treachery  by  immediate  death.  The 
fact  of  these  documents  being  in  your  possession  proves 
you  an  enemy  and  demands  prompt  action.  I,  therefore, 
order  that  you  be  executed  as  a  spy. 

S.  W. —  (Giving  military  salute.)  Captain,  call  out  the 
Guard. 

Captain. — Guard,  fall  in!  Attention! 

Proceed,  per  Diagram  No.  4,  under  military  regulations; 
and,  when  in  front  of  Sub-Chief  Ranger's  station: 

Captain.— Halt ! 

All  halt  and  face  candidate.  Senior  and  Junior  Woiodwards 
bind  candidate  to  Sub-Chief  Ranger's  pedestal,  after  which  both 
Woodwards  take  their  positions  as  shown  in  Diagram  No.  4. 

S.  W. — (Giving  military  salute.)  Captain,  you  may 
proceed  with  the  execution. 

Captain. — Guards,  attention!    Load!  Aim! 

J.  ^.^(Bursting  in  the  closed  door  and  rushing  with 
raised  hands  in  front  of  the  levelled  guns.)  Hold!  Be- 
fore the  execution  of  that  sentence,  I  implore  you  to  listen. 
Carefully  have  I  watched  this  stranger,  and  I  am  con- 
vinced that  he  comes  to  us  in  a  friendly  spirit  and,  with 
a  true  heart,  I  see  nothing  in  his  actions  to  denote  a  spy 
but  to  the  contrary,  ( Turns  to  candidate  and  takes  ..... 
(No.  1 )  from  his  pocket  and  hands  same  to  the  Junior 
Woodward)  here  is  evidence  of  sincerity.  The  execution 
of  this  prisoner  would  tarnish  the  fair  name  of  the  For- 
esters of  America  and  I  beg  that  the  sentence  be  re-con- 
sidered. Brother  Junior  Woodward,  examine  the  emblem 
I  have  just  handed  you. 

J.  W. — (Does  so.)  It  is  part  of  the  most  valued  token 
of  our  Order.  (Turning  to  Senior  Woodward  and  hand- 
ing it  to  him.)    This  should  be  reported  to  our  Chief. 


22 


S.  W. — I  will  do  so.  Remain  here  and  guard  the 
prisoner. 

Senior  Woodward  returns  to  Chief  Ranger. 

S.  W. — Worthy  Ranger,  upon  the  person  of  the  pris- 
oner condemned  to  death  was  found  this  token.  Deem- 
ing it  of  importance,  we  stayed  the  execution  until  the 
fact  could  be  reported  to  you. 

Hands  token  to  Chief  Ranger. 

C.  R. — This  is,  indeed,  important,  and  you  did  well  to 
report  it.  I  fear  we  have  condemned  him  too  hastily. 
Present  the  prisoner  before  me  for  further  examination. 

Senior  Woodward  returns  to  prisoner. 

S.  W. —  (Military  salute,)  Captain,  the  Chief  Ranger 
orders  the  prisoner  returned  to  him. 

Captain. — Guard,   attention !     Recover ! 

All  then  face  as  per  Diagram  No.  5  and  march  to  position 
in  front  of  Chief  Ranger. 

Captain.— Halt ! 

All  halt  and  right  face.    Guards  fall  back  two  paces. 

S.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  again  present  the 
prisoner. 

C.  R. — Sir,  was  this  token  which  was  found  on  your 
person  given  you  by  a  friend? 

Candidate. — (Prompted  by  Senior  Woodward.)  It  was. 

Chief  Ranger  takes  ....  (No.  1)  from  his  pocket,  and, 
joining  the  two,  holds  same  up  to  view. 

C.  R. — Brothers,  this  is  the  symbolic  emblem  of  our 
Forestic  Circle.  Some  time  a&o,  the  Junior  Beadle  gave 
me  this  half,  saying  that  he  had  entrusted  the  other  half  to 
one  whose  zeal  for  liberty  and  fidelity  to  Forestry  had 
moved  him  to  seek  membership  in  our  Court.  (To  can- 
didate, holding  token  in  view.)  This  proves  that  you  are 
not  a  spy,  but  one  who,  revering  his  country  and  loving  his 
fellow-man,  seeks  companionship  in  the  Foresters  of 
America.  The  token  found  upon  your  person  is  em- 
blematic of  our  Order  and  is  intended  to  show  that  all 


23 

over  the  nation  our  members  are  working  for  a  common 
cause.  Let  the  experience  through  which  you  have  just 
passed  be  a  lesson  to  you  never  to  judge  too  hastily  of  a 
brother's  action,  or  be  guided  by  external  appearances 
alone.    What  do  you  now  most  desire? 

Candidate. — {Prompted  by  Senior  Woodward.)  Lib- 
erty. 

C.  R. —  ^  Let  him  be  restored  to  liberty. 

The  candidate  is  restored  to  liberty  by  being  unbound  and 
the  blindfold  removed. 

Tableau  of  Liberty  shown  from  in  front  of  the  Sub-Ohief 
Ranger's  station.    Diagram  No.  6. 

Candidate  is  faced  to   the  tableau. 

P.  C.  R. — You  behold  here  an  exemplification  of  the 
spirit  that  made  it  possible  for  you  to  enjoy  the  priceless 
boon  of  liberty.  We  are  not  the  first  to  exemplify  or  pro- 
claim this  principle.  In  the  dark  hours  of  the  Revolution, 
when  Liberty  had  been  driven  from  every  American 
home,  Brother  greeted  Brother  in  the  silent  Forest  and 
with  clasped  hands  pledged  their  lives  that  America 
should  be  free.  In  1780  Marion,  dauntless  even  in  de- 
feat, called  his  men  together  in  the  secret  shades  of  the 
Forest,  and  thus  addressed  them:  "I  consider  my  life  but 
a  moment;  but  to  fill  that  moment  with  duty  is  my  all. 
To-day  I  am  a  lover,  and  Liberty  is  my  sweetheart.  To 
guard  my  country  is  my  greatest  duty.  I  am  resolved 
that  while  I  live,  my  country  shall  never  be  enslaved." 

All. — Never. 

P.  C.  R. — Sir,  Liberty  has  as  serious  a  meaning  to-day 
as  it  had  among  our  fellow  Foresters  of  old.  Only  those 
who  follow  Liberty's  star  can  enter  here.  Then  stand  by 
the  flag;  by  the  red,  white  and  blue!  Each  color  has  its 
history,  each  stripe  its  significance,  and  each  star  its  storv. 
The  red,  ardent  desire :  an  ardent  desire  to  see  cur  country 
prosper  and  liberty  proclaimed  to  every  people.  The 
white,  purity  and  humility:  pure  is  our  love  of  brother- 
hood and  country.  The  blue,  faithfulness  and  fidelity:  be 
faithful  to  the  flag  and  to  the  fraternity. 

Members  representing  tableau  will  march  once  or  twice 
around  the  room  and  then  retire  to  the  anteroom. 


24 


C.  R. — We  will  sing  the  first  verse  of  the  initiation 
ode.  *  ★  ★ 


INmATIOIf  OOB. 


TCNB—AlIERtCa. 


i=pj^-.i.,.i|,,=n 

■f*  *  I* 

1 

1  Brothera !  attention  teePi 
Wbitet  Qur  Most  Worthy  Chief 

Gives  yon  thg  charge. 
Bonds  of  Society; 
Friendahip  and  Symp^thyi 
Bonorftnd  Secrecy, 

Let  all  ufiite« 


2  BrotheTS  ?  have  nougbt  to  feat 
Tr«o  Honor'8  court  is  here.  > 

Love !  Trut^  and  Joy. 
Benevolence  here  abounds. 
Concord  onr  evening  crowns, 
Whil'st  every  heait  r€souadft, 

God  blesa  ottx  cauae, 


C.  R. —  Brother  Senior  Woodward,  conduct  the  can- 
didate to  a  position  in  front  of  the  altar. 

S.  W. — {Military  salute.)  Captain,  escort  us  to  the 
altar. 

Guards  step  forward  two  paces  to  bring  them  to  original 
position. 

Captain. — Left  face!    Forward,  march! 

Proceed  per  Diagram  No.  7  {seated  candidates,  if  any,  will  fall 
in)  and  take  position  about  altar.  Chief  Ranger  steps  down  to 
a  position  hsilf-way  between  his  station  and  the  altar  and  ad- 
dresses candidates. 

C.  R. — My  friend,  you  are  approaching  the  privilege 
of  membership  in  the  Foresters  of  America — an  institu- 
tion founded  on  the  principle  of  Benevolence.  It  af- 
fords friendly  and  social  intercourse,  bestows  enduring- 
friendship,  and  is  established  to  provide  relief  in  sick- 
ness, burial  at  death,  and  to  inspire  its  members  with  a 
proper  recognition  of  the  stern  realities  of  life.  Before 
going  further,  you  are  required  to  give  this  Court  an 
assurance  that  you  will  comply  with  the  laws  and  pur- 
poses of  the  Order  by  taking  a  solemn  obligation.  This 


25 


obligation  we  have  all  taken  and  it  will  in  no  way  con- 
flict with  your  duty  to  yourself,  your  neighbor,  your 
country  or  your  God.    Are  you  willing  to  proceed? 

Candidate  answers. 

C.  R. — Brother  Senior  Woodward,  you  will  place  the 
candidate  in  proper  position. 

Senior  Woodward  does  so,  which  is  ...  .  (No.  3  in  cipher 
book).  If  all  candidates,  because  of  the  numbers,  cannot  assume 
the  proper  position,  those  who  cannot  will  place  their  left  hand 
over  their  heart  and  the  right  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  the  one 
immediately  in  front. 

s.  c.  R._  *  *  -A- 

C.  R. —  {To  candidate)  :  You  will  repeat  your  name 
and  say  after  me,  in  a  loud  clear  voice  so  all  may  hear: 

I,  ,  (Chief  Ranger  does 

not  use  his  name,  but  pauses  to  allow  candidate  to  use 
his  own  name),  of  my  own  free  will  and  accord — do  most 
sincerely  promise  and  declare — that  I  will  faithfully 
abide — by  the  laws,  rules  and  regulations — of  the  Supreme 
Court,  Grand  Court  and  of  this  Court  of  the  Foresters  of 
America  as  are  now  in  force — or  as  they  may  be  here- 
after enacted — or  amended — and  that  I  will — to  the  best 
of  my  ability — live  up  to  the  principles  of  this  Order.  I 
will  never  communicate — to  any  person  or  persons  not 
entitled  to  a  knowledge  thereof — in  any  way — any  of 
the  secret  work  of  the  Order.  I  will  regard  all — that 
transpires  in  the  meetings  of  this  Court — or  any  other — 
/  with  which  I  may  hereafter  affiliate — as  sacredly  con- 
fidential— and  will  not  impart  the  same — to  any  person — 
not  entitled  to  know  thereof.  I  will  never  wrong  a 
brother — and  will  respect  his  family — as  though  it  were 
my  own.  I  will — to  the  extent  of  my  ability — aid  a 
brother  in  distress  and  assist  the  widows  and  orphans — 
of  deceased  brothers.  I  will — so  far  as  I  am  able — attend 
the  meetings  of  this  Court — and  do  everything  in  my 
power — to  promote  its  welfare.  I  make  this  pledge — on 
the  honor  of  a  man — who  respects  the  value  of  truth — 
and  it  shall  be  binding  on  me  as  long  as  life  shall  last. 

The  Senior  Woodward  will  now  instruct  the  candidate  to 
resume  his  former  position. 


26 


C.  R. —  {Returns  to  his  station,) 
second  verse  of  the  initiation  ode. 

romATION  ODE. 


We  will  sing  the 


TtWB— America. 


1  Brothers  I  attention  keepj 
Whilst  our  Most  Worthy  CWef 

Gives  yon  the  charge. 
Bonds  of  Society; 
J^epdship  and  Sympathy} 
Conor  and  Secrecy, 

Let  a!!  nBite« 


2  Brothers !  have  nought  to  feat 
True  Honor's  court  is  here.  -> 

Love !  Truth  an4  Joy. 
Benevolence  here  abounds. 
Concord  our  evening  crowns, 
Whil'st  every  heait  r€SOUlidB» 

Ctod  blesa  our  causoi 


C.  R. —  ^  Brother  Senior  Woodward,  you  will  pre- 
sent our  newly  made  Brother  to  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger. 
(//  there  is  more  than  one  candidate  the  others  will  he 
escorted  to  their  seats.) 

Senior  Woodward  turns  to  Captain. 

S.  W. —  {Military  salute.)    Captain,  dismiss  the  guard. 

Captain — {Remaining  in  his  position.)  Guard  front. 
{Guard  face  Chief  Ranger.)  Forward,  march!  {Execute 
march  per  Diagram  No.  8,  and  are  seated. 

When  Guard  are  seated.  Senior  and  Ji^tiior  Woodwards 
step  to  either  side  of  candidate,  still  facing  Chief  Ranger. 
All  three  right  face,  and,  in  single  file,  Senior  Woodward 
leads  at  right  angles  to  front  of  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  and  then 
left  face,  where  he  will  be  halted  at  the  sound  of  the  gavel, 

S.  W. — Worthy  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  by  direction  of 
the  Chief  Ranger,  I  present  our  newly  made  Brother. 

S.  C.  R. — My  Brother,  the  obligation  you  have  just 
taken  will  not  make  of  you  a  Forester  unless  you  live 
and  act  as  a  Forester.  The  true  Forester  looks  beyond 
the  outward  appearance  of  its  forms  and  ceremonies  to 
the  eternal  spirit  of  brotherhood  which  links,  in  the 


27 


golden  chain  of  our  expending  sympathy,  heart  with  heart 
and  hand  with  hand. 

Tableau  of  Unity  shown  from  in  front  of  the  Chief  Ranger's 
station.    Diagram  No.  9. 

Candidate  faces  Chief  Ranger's  station. 

C.  R. — The  unity  exemplified  by  the  scene  before 
you  applies  just  as  forcibly  to  fraternal  institutions 
as  it  does  to  nations.  If  we  are  a  unit  in  proclaiming 
our  principles,  we  will  merit  the  confidence  of  our 
fellow  men.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  merely  declare  our 
loyalty  to  the  lessons  we  have  learned,  but  we  must,  by 
our  every  act,  whether  in  private  or  public  life,  demon- 
strate to  the  world  that  w^e  have  profited  by  member- 
ship in  the  Foresters  of  America.  We  must  be  a  unit 
in  our  opposition  to  all  that  is  wrong.  We  must  be  a 
unit  in  our  endeavor  to  uplift  mankind.  We  must  be  a 
unit  in  our  desire  to  improve  ourselves  and  those  dear 
to  us,  and,  at  the  same  time,  ever  ready  to  aid  and 
guide  an  erring  brother,  so  that  he  may  return  to  the 
paths  of  rectitude.  And  so,  I  welcome  you  as  one  who 
will  soon  become  a  link  in  that  great  chain  that  unites 
our  brotherhood  from  one  end  of  this  nation  to  the 
other.  And  as  a  chain  is  only  as  strong  as  the  weakest 
link  therein,  may  you  ever  be  found  steadfast  and  true, 
clad  in  the  armor  of  righteousness,  strong  in  your  loyalty 
to  our  Order,  and  ever  ready  to  discharge  your  duties  to 
your  fellow  men  with  forbearance,  charity  and  good  will. 
Take  this  lesson  to  your  heart  and  pass  on. 

The  Senior  Woodward  conducts  candidate  to  the  station  of 
the  Lecturer^  where  he  will  be  halted  at  the  sound  of  the 
feavel. 

(Members  forming  tableau  retire.) 

S.  W. — Worthy  Lecturer,  by  direction  of  the  Sub- 
Chief  Ranger,  I  present  this  stranger,  who  is  progress- 
ing on  his  journey  to  membership  in  our  great  Order. 

Lecturer. — My  friend,  you  have  now  arrived  at  the 
third  station  in  our  Order,  representing  Benevolence. 

Benevolence  tableau  shown  from  in  front  of  the  Jr.  Past 
Chief  Ranger's  station.    Diagram  No.  10. 

Candidate  faces  Jr.  Past  Chief  Ranger's  station. 


28 


Lecturer. — The  scene  before  you  is  to  teach  us  the 
lesson  that  we  must  not  live  for  ourselves  alone.  The 
man  who  is  blind  to  the  misery  of  his  fellow  man,  who 
is  indifferent  to  the  sufferings  of  his  neighbor,  who  is  so 
wrapped  up  in  self  that  he  sees  not  the  afflicted  by  the 
wayside,  and,  if  perchance  he  sees,  passes  on  with  no  kind 
word  on  his  lip  or  comforting  look  in  his  eye,  that  man 
is  as  though  he  had  never  lived  at  all.  While  the  man  in 
whose  heart  fraternal  love  reigns  supreme,  he  shall  live 
forever.  His  deeds  shall  be  inscribed  not  on  the  shift- 
ing sands  of  time,  but  engraven  on  imperishable  marble, 
an  everlasting  monument  to  the  God-given  Charity  and 
Benevolence  with  which  he  was  inspired.  The  Senior 
Woodward  will  conduct  you  to  the  station  of  the  Chief 
Ranger. 

The  Senior  Woodward  will  then  conduct  the  candidate  to 
the  station  of  the  Chief  Ranger,  where  he  will  be  halted  at 
the  sound  of  the  gavel. 

(Members  forming  tableau,  retire.) 

S.  W. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  by  direction  of  the 
Lecturer,  I  present  this  Brother  to  you  for  final  instruc- 
tion. 

Tableau  of  Concord  shown  from  position  half-way  between 
altar  and  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger's  station.    Diagram  No.  11.  Can- 

didate  faces  Sub-Chief  Ranger's  station. 

C.  R.—  i^i^  My  Brother,  from  Liberty,  Unity  and 
Benevolence  we  have  Concord,  which  is  represented  by 
this  station  and  the  scene  before  you.  The  starry  flag  of 
our  country  typifies  in  no  uncertain  terms  the  principles 
of  our  Order.  Many  times  has  that  banner,  midst  shot 
and  shell,  been  held  aloft  by  the  youth  and  gray  haired  of 
our  people.  Fathers  have  left  wives  and  little  ones;  sons 
have  wandered  from  parents'  side;  and  youths,  scarce 
grown  to  manhood,  have  left  weeping  mothers  to  offer 
up  their  lives  for  the  Liberty  we  are  today  enjoying. 
Let  us,  therefore,  be  loyal  to  our  flag  and  may  pa- 
triotism ever  find  an  abiding  place  in  our  hearts. 
May  we  be  proud,  in  contemplation  of  our  country's 
glorious  past  and  let  our  souls  expand  in  prayer  for  a 
glorious  future.  If  you  will  consider  the  lessens  taught 
to-night,  every  tender  sentiment  of  the  human  soul  will 


29 


find  an  abiding  place  in  you;  your  heart  will  be  filled 
with  generous  impulses;  and  you  will  be  imbued  with 
lofty  inspirations  that  shall  lead  you  as  near  the  goal  of 
human  perfection  as  man  may  ever  hope  to  reach.  You 
will  now  be  conducted  to  the  anteroom  and,  upon  your 
return,  you  will  be  further  instructed,  'j^f 

Senior  Woodward,  candidate,  and  Junior  Woodward  right 
face  and  Senior  Woodward  leads  candidate  to  anteroom. 
Junior  Woodward  taking  his  seat  as  he  reaches  his  station. 
Members  forming  tableau  retire. 

The  lights  will  be  continued  low  so  as  to  make  objects  but 
faintly  visible.  The  Guard  will  be  in  their  seats  near  Chief 
Ranger.  A  band  dressed  as  Indians  will  assembled  in  ante^ 
room.  Everything  being  ready,  the  Senior  Beadle  will  open 
the  door,  and,  without  ceremony,  admit  the  Senior  Wood' 
ward  and  candidate,  who  will  enter  and  slowly  make  their 
way  around  the  room  per  Diagram  No.  12,  and,  as  they  move 
along,  Senior  Woodward  will  say: 

S.  W. — It  is  thus  you  will  make  your  journey  through 
life.  You  will  find  that  it  is  not  all  sunshine,  but  that  it 
has  its  dark  days  and  times  of  discouragement,  when  you 
will  need  the  guiding  hand  and  help  of  others.  As  ad- 
versity comes  to  you,  so  will  it  come  to  your  Brother, 
and  you  should  never  forget  that,  in  such  straits,  he  has 
a  claim  upon  your  sympathy.  You  are  now  nearing 
the  end  of  your  journey,  for  the  headquarters  of  ouf 
Forestic  Court  are  close  at  hand;  but  do  not  cease  your 
vigilance,  for  dangers  are  often  nearest  when  the  least 
expected. 

/ 

Senior  Woodward  should  graduate  his  walk  so  that  he  is 
now  at  position  6,  7,  Diagram  No.  12.  At  this  moment,  Senior 
Beadle  opens  door  and  Indians,  with  war-whoop  and  yell, 
rush  from  anteroom  towards  Chief  Ranger.  The  Guard  jump 
up  and  meet  them  at  position  marked  "C"  on  diagram.  A 
sharp  conflict  occurs,  during  which  Indians  arc  gradually 
driven  into  anteroom,  Guard  following.  As  Indians  retreat, 
one  of  their  number  is  left  lying  on  the  floor,  as  shown  by 
"W.  I."  on  Diagram  No.  12,  his  head  toward  side  of  the  room, 
groaning  as  if  badly  injured.  As  soon  as  Indians  and  Guard 
pass  into  anteroom,  Sub-Chief  Ranger  immediately  goes  to 
wounded  Indian  and  stands  on  side  nearest  Chief  Ranger, 
looking  at  Indian.  At  this  moment,  the  Guard  come  rush- 
ing in  from  anteroom,  shouting,  "Kill  him!  Kill  him!"  Be- 
fore they  can  touch  wounded  Indian,  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger, 
lifting  his  hands,  says: 


30 


S.  C.  R. — Peace !  Let  no  mad  revel  of  vengeance  ever 
stain  a  Forester's  victory  over  a  fallen  foe.  In  the  hour 
of  his  proudest  triumph,  let  him  never  refuse  to  dip  his 
colors  to  the  sceptre  of  Benevolence.  And,  in  his  daily 
battles,  let  him  never  forget  that  the  standard  of  human 
life  is  not  raised  by  the  pressure  of  brute  forces,  but  by 
the  application  of  those  graces  of  Benevolence  with  which 
the  world's  Samaritans  have  crowned  the  top.  The 
throne  of  Benevolence  is  not  pillared  on  bayonets  of 
steel,  and  her  grandest  victories  sound  no  heralding 
trumpets;  yet,  where  are  the  people  that  do  not  pay  her 
tribute,  or  the  nation  that  knows  not  her  power?  She 
binds  her  votaries  in  bonds  of  sympathy,  and  the  cords 
of  their  union  throb  with  a  common  impulse  the  world 
over  and  all  the  time.  She  lifts  the  clouds  from  the 
horizon  of  our  lives,  shows  the  world  in  brighter  colors, 
and  makes  it  a  better  place  in  which  to  live.  She  sends 
her  followers  to  dry  the  tear  and  put  a  smile  in  its  stead; 
and,  squaring  their  lives  by  the  Golden  Rule  of  human 
conduct,  she  helps  them  to  rear  a  noble  structure,  strong 
enough  to  last  through  all  the  ages,  and  large  enough  to 
shelter  all  mankind. 

Here  a  member,  clad  in  a  Samaritan  costume,  will  silently  slip 
through  to  the  wounded  Indian,  and,  raising  his  head,  will  press 
water  to  his  lips,  and  instantly  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  pointing 
to  the  spectacle,  will  continue: 

S.  C.  R. — Sometimes,  like  a  ministering  angel,  she 
comes  to  press  the  cooling  cup  to  the  lips  of  the  wounded, 
caring  not  for  his  name  or  station,  or  the  cause  for  which 
he  fell.    Then,  honor  to  the  principles  that  make  us  one? 

The  Guard  bend  over  Indian  as  if  anxious  to  assist  him,  or 
kneel  on  one  knee,  and  the  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  taking  canteen, 
or  glass,  raises  it  above  his  head  and  says: 

S.  C.  R. — Brothers,  here's  to  Friendship  in  marble, 
and  Enmity  in  dust;  and  may  Liberty,  Unity,  Benevo- 
lence and  Concord  ever  hold  sway  in  Courts  of  Foresters  \ 

When  Sub-Chief  Ranger  has  finished,  lights  are  turned  up. 
Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  conduct  candidate  to  Past  Chief 
Ranger,  during  which  the  Guards  lift  Indian  on  stretcher  and  re- 
move him  +o  anteroom. 


31 


S.  W. — Worthy  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  I  present 
our  newly  initiated  Brother  for  further  instructions. 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — My  Brother,  the  lessons  of  this  evening 
teach  us  to  regard  the  great  family  of  mankind  as  our 
brethren  and  to  improve  the  conditions  of  humanity.  To 
reach  the  full  measure  of  your  responsibilities  of  member- 
ship, you  must  be  of  pure  heart  and  clean  hands,  constant 
in  attendance  at  -every  meeting,  and  diligent  in  the  dis- 
charge of  every  duty.  Accept  such  preferment  as  may 
be  conferred  upon  you,  and  be  animated  by  the  true 
principles  of  Forestry,  so  your  life  and  conduct  may  be 
no  reproach  to  the  Brother  whose  confidence  has  made 
you  one  of  us.  Let  us,  as  an  Order,  direct  every  energy 
to  the  preservation  of  peace  in  our  midst,  and,  relying 
upon  the  truth  of  our  principles,  carry  out,  in  all  its  full- 
ness and  glory,  our  devine  motto,  "Liberty,  Unity, 
Benevolence  and  Concord."  I  will  now  instruct  you  in 
the  secret  work.    Desiring  admission  to  your  Court,  you 

will,  upon  approaching  the  outer  door,  give  (No.  4), 

which  will  be  answered  by  the  Junior  Beadle's  raising 
the  wicket  or  opening  the  door,  to  whom  you  will  present 
your  due  receipt  and  give,  in  a  low  whisper,  the  pass- 
word, which  is    If  satisfied,  he  will  permit 

you  to  enter  the  anteroom  and  you  will  clothe  yourself 
fwith  a  member's  regalia.    The  Junior  Beadle  will  advance 

to  the  inner  door  and  give  this  alarm  (No.  6), 

whigh   will   be   answered   by   the    Senior   Beadle  with 

 (No.  7).   The  wicket  will  be  opened  and  you  will 

be  announced  to  the  Senior  Beadle,  who  will  admit  you. 
Upon  entering,  you  will  walk  in  a  line  parallel  with  the 
length  of  the  room  until  opposite  the  altar;  then  you  will 
wheel  at  right  angles,  and  approach  the  center  of  the 
altar,  from  which  point  you  will  attract  the  attention  of 
the  Chief  Ranger  by  saying,  "Worthy  Chief  Ranger," 

and  make  this  sign  (No.  8),  which  is  known  as 

the  Salutation  Sign.  On  being  recognized  by  the  Chief 
Ranger,  he  will  answer  you  with  the  countersign,  which 

is  (No.  9).    You  will  then  be  seated.    Should  you 

desire  to  visit  a  Court  other  than  the  one  of  which  you 
are  a  member,  you  will,  after  gaining  admittance  to  the 
anteroom  be  asked  to  sign  your  name  in  the  Visitor's  Book- 
The  Junior  Beadle  will  then  compare  the  signature  on  the 


32 


margin  of  your  due  receipt  with  your  signature  in  the 
book,  and,  if  satisfied,  he  will  announce  you  to  the 
Senior  Beadle,  and  you  will  be  admitted.  If  the  Junior 
Beadle  is  in  doubt,  he  will  report  to  the  Chief  Ranger 
that  you  desire  admission  but  he  is  not  satisfied  as  to 
your  right  to  enter.  The  Chief  Ranger  will  then  ap- 
point a  committee  which  will,  by  examination,  ascertain 
if  you  are  a  member  of  the  Order  and  rightfully  in 
possession  of  the  due  receipt.  From  these  instructions, 
you  will  observe  how  necessary  it  is  to  have  the  due 
receipt  with  you  and  be  in  good  standing.  On  desiring 
to  speak,  you  will  do  so  by  arising  in  your  place,  attract- 
ing the  attention  of  the  Chief  Ranger  by  saying,  "Worthy 
Chief  Ranger."  Upon  being  recognized,  you  will  pro- 
ceed with  what  you  have  to  say.  Members  are  not 
permitted  to  cross  from  one  side  of  the  Court  room 
to  the  other  without  first  passing  in  front  of  the  altar  and 
giving  the  Salutation  Sign.  The  voting  sign  is  the  up- 
lifted right  hand,  palm  out,  elevation  on  a  line  with  the 
eyes.  If  in  distress  and  desiring  assistance,  you  will  pre- 
sent yourself  to  the  nearest  Court  of  the  Order;  prove 
yourself  a  member;  and  m.ake  known  your  mission.  Your 
needs,  whenever  possible,  will  be  readily  granted.  To 
prove  yourself  a  Forester,  you  will  be  required  to  pass 
an  examination.  Therefore,  pay  strict  attention  to  the 
following  dialogue  between  the  Chief  Ranger  and  myself. 
His  answers  will  be  yours  when  put  to  that  test. 

S.  C.  R  (10) 

C  R  (11) 

S.  C.  R  (12) 

C.  R  (13) 

S.  C.  R  (14) 

C.  R  (15) 

Wishing  to  retire  while  the  Court  is  in  session,  you 
will  approach  the  altar  at  right  angles  and  use  this 

sign  (No.  16).   You  will  be  answered  by  the  Chief 

Ranger  with  this  sign  (No.  17),  indicating,  "My 

mouth  is  closed  in  secrecy."  I  will  now  acquaint  you  with 
the  use  of  the  gavel.  One  rap  ^  calls  the  members  to 
order,  or  seats  them  when  standing;  two  raps  -^i^  calls 
the  officers  to  a  standing  position;  three  raps  'jfc'  l^r  "A" 


33 


means  that  all  must  arise.  With  the  instructions  you  have 
now  received  you  should  not  experience  any  difficulty  in 
proving  yourself  a  member  of  the  Order  and  showing  that 
you  are  entitled  to  its  privileges  and  benefits.  The  Wood- 
ward will  now  conduct  you  to  the  Chief  Ranger. 

Candidate  will  be  escorted  to  the  station  of  the  Chief 
Ranger. 

C.  R. — My  Brother,  with  membership  in  this  Order, 
you  have  certain  duties  to  perform  before  you  can  claim 
the  full  benefit  of  a  true  fraternity.  A  man  cannot  be 
a  good  member  of  an  organization  unless  he  knows  and 
understands  the  obligations  he  owes  society.  If  one 
has  no  friends  to  share  or  rejoice  in  his  success  in  life, 
if  one  cannot  look  back  to  those  to  whom  he  owes 
gratitude  or  forward  to  those  to  whom  he  owes  protec- 
tion, it  is  nonetheless  incumbent  upon  him  to  move 
steadily  in  the  path  of  duty.  One's  best  efforts  are  due 
not  only  to  society,  but  in  humbk  gratitude,  to  the 
Creator  who  made  him  a  member  of  society  with  powers 
to  serve  one's  self  and  others.  We  receive  you  as  a 
member  {shake  hands)  ;  you  are  among  friends ;  and  we 
•  hope  you  will  continue  to  merit  our  confidence.  You 
must  acquaint  yourself  with  the  rules,  regulations  and 
laws  of  the  Order,  as  from  the  time  of  your  admission, 
'you  are  bound  by  them  as  they  now  exist  or  as  they 
may^be  hereafter  enacted  or  amended;  and  it  will  be 
necessary  that  you  attend  the  meetings  regularly.  We 
believe  that  you  sought  admittance  from  lofty  motives 
and  that  you  are  sincere  in  your  intentions  to  become 
a  regular  and  helpful  member.  The  Senior  Woodward 
will  give  you  a  copy  of  the  by-laws  of  this  Court,  and 
the  laws  of  the  Grand  and  Supreme  Courts.  {Senior 
Woodward  hands  candidate  a  copy  of  the  laws  herein 
mentioned.)  And  you  will  be  expected  to  familiarize 
yourself  with  their  provisions.  You  will  now  be  con- 
ducted to  the  Financial  Secretary,  where  you  will  sign 
the  Constitution  and  Beneficiary  Book,  after  which  you 
will  stand  at  ease  in  front  of  this  station  for  a  fraternal 
welcome. 

Senior  Woodward  conducts  candidates  to  the  station  of  the 
Financial  Secretary,  who  reads,  so  all  can  hear,  the  agreement 
printed  in  the  Constitution  Book,  and  asks  the  candidate  if  he 


S4 


agrees  to  same.  If  an  affirmative  answer  is  given,  the  candidate 
is  requested  to  sign ;  (which  must  be  witnessed  by  the  Financial 
Secretary).  He  is  then  asked  to  designate  his  beneficiary  in  and 
sign  the  Beneficiary  Book,  after  which  he  is  conducted  to  the 
station  of  the  Chief  Ranger,  facing  the  members, 

F.  S. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  Brother  has  signed 
the  Constitution  Book  and  designated  his  beneficiary. 

C.  R. —  ^  lAr  Brothers,  join  with  me  in  singing 
the  Welcome  Ode  and  in  extending  congratulations. 

During  the  singing,  members  pass  in  front  of  the  candidate  and 
extend  congratulations. 


Welcome  ode. 


TuK«— Greenville,  Ea  A  Te. 

Fjks. 


1  Welcome,  brother'^.,  welcome  ever, 

To  our  Court  in  friendship's  name. 
Here  we  greet  you  kindly,  brother, 

Trusting  you  -will  do  the  same. 
AH  our  hopes  are  one  in  union. 

All  our  strength  may  we  unite. 
Then  let  us  meet  in  sweet  communion 

Ready  ever  to  do  right. 


2  May  oar  Order  always  prosper. 

Grow  ia  strength  and  commoh  sense. 
Help  the  sick  that  none  may  suffer, 

While  we  have  benevolence. 
May  our  Courts  prove  always  blessings. 

To  each  brother  thus  afford 
Peace  instead  of  want  distressing, 

While  we  dwell  in  sweet  Concord.  ^ 


C.  R. —  ^  The  ceremony  of  initiation  having  been  con- 
cluded, our  newly  initiated  Brother  may  now  be  seated, 

XI.    Reports  of  Special  Committees 

C.  R. — Is  there  any  special  committee  to  report  this 
evening? 

The  reports  will  be  submitted  and  acted  upon. 

XII.    Reports  of  Standing  Committees 

Finance  Committee  and  Auditing  Committee  will  report 
under  this  rule. 


35 


C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  arc  there  any 
Standing  Committees  to  report? 
Reports  will  be  submitted  and  acted  upon. 

XIII.    Unfinished  Business 

C.  R. — Worthy  Recording  Secretary,  is  there  any 
unfinished  business  to  come  before  us? 
Unfinished  business  is  submitted  and  acted  upon. 

XIX.  Recess 

C.  R. — There  will  be  a  recess  of    minutes 

for  the  payment  of  dues,  fines,  etc. 
At  the  expiration  of  the  time  set  for  recess: 

XV.    New  Business 

C.  R. —  ^  The  Recording  Secretary  will  present  such 
matters  as  were  referred  to  this  rule,  after  which  the 
Brothers  may  offer  New  Business. 

Nominations,  elections  and  installation  shall  be  first  in 
order.  All  matters  referred  to  New  Business  shall  be  pre- 
sented and  acted  upon.  Committees  provided  by  law,  except 
Investigating,  should  be  appointed  under  this  rule. 

XVI.    Good  of  the  Order 

C.  R. — The  Lecturer  will  assume  charge  of  the  Court 
and'^  proceed  with  his  program. 

The  Lecturer  assumes  charge  as  directed  by  the  Chief 
Ranger  and  proceeds  with  such  entertainment  as  he  has  pre- 
pared. 

XVII.    Report  of  Financial  Secretary  and  Treasurer 

C.  R. — The  Financial  Secretary  will  announce  the 
receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  evening. 
Financial  Secretary  does  so. 

C.  R. — The  Treasurer  will  read  his  statement. 

Treasurer  does  so  and  hands  report  to  the  Recording  Sec- 
retary. 

C.  R. — The  Treasurer  will  hand  me  the  bank  books. 
Treasurer  does  so. 

C.  R. —  -j/^  You  will  give  attention  while  I  announce, 
from  the  bank  books,  the   date  and  amounts  of  the 


36 


deposits  since  the  last  meeting.  The  Recording  Secre- 
tary will  enter  into  the  minutes,  both  the  date  and  amount 
of  each  deposit. 

Chief  Ranger  reads  from  the  bank  books  date  and  amount 
of  each  deposit  since  the  last  meeting.  The  deposits  must  be 
made  within  the  time  provided  in  the  laws.  He  then  returns 
the  bank  books  to  the  Treasurer. 

XVIII.  Preclusions 

C.  R. — Brother  Financial  Secretary,  are  there  any 
members  who  stand  precluded  for  non-payment  of  dues? 

If  there  are  preclusions,  the  Financial  Secretary  gives  list 
\o  Chief  Ranger,  who  reads  names  and  hands  Hst  to  the 
Recording  Secretary. 

XVIV.  Closing 

C.  R. — Has  any  matter  of  importance  been  over- 
looked? (Pauses.)  If  not,  we  will  proceed  to  close.  Be-  ♦ 
fore  doing  so,  let  me  again  remind  you  to  refrain  from 
discussing  the  business  of  this  Court  within  the  hearing 
of  strangers.  May  peace,  happiness  and  prosperity  attend 
you.    We  will  now  sing  the  Closing  Ode.  it 


V  CLOSIKQ  Ode.  Tunb-OIcI  Baodred. 


1  Good  night!  and  may  we  ever  part  i  ,    2  Good  night!  and  may  oar  spirits  rest. 

In  body  single,  one  in  heart;  ,  |  By  no  unkindly  thought  oppressed; 

Each  holding  with  integrity,  i  i  1  'Sut  with  a  happy  eonKci<MJsneaa, 

Tree  principles  of  Forestry.  j         Of  an  approving  Prou-ideoc©. 


C.  R. — Brothers,  you  will  join  me  in  giving  the  retir- 
ing sign  (16). 

Officers  and  members  do  so. 

C.  R. — I  now  declare  the  meeting  of  Court   

 ,  No  ,  closed,  it 


opening 

of  the 

Supreme  Court 


38 


Opening 

At  the  time  appointed,  the  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  will 
take  his  position  and  call  the  session  to  order. 

S.  C.  R. —  In  obedience  to  the  Constitution  and 
General  Laws  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  Foresters  of 
America,  we  are  here  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  hold- 
ing this  convention. 

As  the  Representatives  of  thousands  of  our  members, 
we  have  important  and  sacred  duties  to  discharge,  in 
which  the  eternal  principles  of  truth,  justice  and  charity- 
should  be  the  ruling  motives. 

While  this  Supreme  Court  is  competent  and  em- 
powered to  alter,  amend,  or  rescind,  laws  now  in  force, 
or  to  make  new  laws,  the  exercise  of  these  great  powers 
should  be  conducted  with  the  utmost  precaution  and  fore- 
thought. The  equal  rights  of  every  Grand  Court,  and  the 
equitable  privileges  of  every  Subordinate  Court  in  their 
relation  to  each  other  and  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  our 
organization,  necessitate  wise  and  judicious  consideration 
in  our  deliberations  affecting  them. 

A  strict  regard  for  the  rights  and  interest  of  all  con- 
cerned in  the  work  that  is  before  us  should  actuate 
every  Representative,  so  that  our  legislation  will  give  to 
the  distinguished  virtues  of  our  glorious  principles  still 
grander  effect,  and  thus  assure  their  widespread  propa- 
gation. 

I  now  direct  the  Supreme  Woodwards  to  collect 
the  credentials  and  deliver  same  to  the  Committee 
on  Credentials  which  Committee  will  consist  of 
Brothers   

While  the  Committee  is  engaged  with  its  work,  the  Su- 
preme Chief  Ranger  will  invite  members  of  the  Order  or 
visitors  to  address  the  convention. 

(When  the  Credential  Committee  is  ready  to  report:) 

S.  C.  R.— We  will  now  listen  to  the  report  of  the 
Committee  on  Credentials. 

Credential  Committee  reports  and  the  convention  acts 
thereon.    After  the  Representatives  have  been  seated. 


39 


S.  C.  R. —  The  Supreme  Woodwards  will  take 
up  the  password,  examine  the  due  receipts  of  those 
present,  and  report.  , 

Senior  and  Junior  Wo<Ddward  do  so  and  report. 

S.  C.  R. —  ic  i>r  it  Officers  and  Representatives,  we 
are,  now  prepared  for  the  duties  that  have  called  us 
from  our  homes  and  constituencies.  Your  thoughtful 
and  zealous  attention  is  invoked  to  promote  the  har- 
mony of  this  session  while  endeavoring  to  advance  the 
progress  and  prosperity  of  our  Order.  With  solicitation 
for  a  temperate  and  kindly  spirit  in  discussion,  and  a 
wise  solution  of  the  problems  to  be  considered  during 
our  deliberations,  I  now  declare  this  session  of  the 
Supreme  Court  duly  and  legally  opened. 

Procedure  will  be  as  provided  in  the  "Order  of  Business." 


Installation 

of 

Supreme  Court  Officers 


42 


Installation 

At  the  proper  time,  the  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  will  request 
the  Junior  Past  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  or  Installing  Officer 
to  take  the  position  of  the  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  and  will 
surrender  to  him  the  gavel. 

The  retiring  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  may  here  make  appro- 
priate remarks.     The  Junior  Past   Supreme   Chief  Ranger 
sponds  at  his  discretion,  and  appoints  Herald. 

P.  S.  C.  R.—  -A-  The  Herald  will  collect  the  regalia 
and  present  them  to  me. 

Herald  collects  regalia  and  arranges  them  in  order  on 
stand  or  platform,  in  front  of  installing  officer,  and  remains 
standing  at  the  right  of  and  in  front  of  installing  officer. 

Herald. — Worthy  Junior  Past  Supreme  Chief  Ranger, 
the  regalias  are  collected  and  in  position. 

Junior  Past  Supreme^  Chief  Ranger,  turning  to  Supreme 
Chief  Ranger  and  investing  him  with  regalia  of  Past  Supreme 
Chief  Ranger,  says: 

P.  S.  C.  R. —  *  -rfr  *  Worthy  Supreme  Chief 
Ranger,  the  regalia  with  which  I  now  invest  you  sig- 
nalizes the  close  of  your  official  term  as  the  executive 
head  of  the  Order,  and  indicates  the  fact  that  you  have 
attained  the  honor  of  Past  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  which 
entitles  you  to  life  membership  in  this  Supreme  Court. 
You  have  fully  merited  the  distinction  which  you  now 
receive  and  I  am  sure  the  Supreme  Court  will  have  no 
cause  to  regret  its  confidence  in  you. 

P.  S.  C.  R. — The  Supreme  Secretary  will  read  the  list 
of  officers-elect.  Each  officer,  as  his  name  is  called,  will 
take  a  position  in  line  at  my  left,  facing  the  chair. 

As  the  names  are  called,  officers  take  position. 

Herald. — Worthy  Past  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  I  have 
the  honor  to  present  the  officers-elect. 

P.  S.  C.  R. — My  brothers,  you  will  place  yourselves 
in  proper  position  to  take  the  obligation  required  of 
officers  of  this  Supreme  Court  "ic  ^  ^^<^  repeat 
after  me. 


43 


I,   ,  having  been 

elected  an  officer  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  Foresters 
of  America,  do  promise,  upon  my  honor,  that  I  will  sup- 
port, defend,  and  bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the 
Constitution  and  General  Laws  of  the  Order.  I  will  care- 
fully guard  and  conserve  any  and  all  property  of  the 
Order  entrusted  to  me,  and  will  deliver  same  to  my  suc- 
cessor or  any  duly  authorized  member  or  officer  upon  de- 
mand. I  will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  my  office 
to  the  best  of  my  ability. 

P.  S.  C.  R. —  The  Herald  will  invest  the  officers 
with  the  regalia  of  office. 

(Herald  does  so,  beginning  with  Trustees.) 

Herald. —  (After  investing  each  with  regalia.)  Brothers, 
the  regalia  with  which  you  are  now  invested  is  em- 
blematic and  distinctive  of  the  respective  offices  to  which 
you  have  been  elected.  Your  earnest  efforts  and  highest 
ambition  should  be  to  leave  at  the  expiration  of  your 
official  terms  an  unsullied  record. 

P.  S.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  conduct  the  officers  to 
their  respective  stations. 

Herald  does  so,  beginning  with  the  Trustees,  and  presents 
the  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  to  the  installing  officer. 

Herald. — Worthy  Past  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  I  have 
the  honor  to  present  the  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  of  the 
Order. 

P.  S.  C.  R.—  *  *  *  Worthy  Supreme  Chief 
Ranger,  it  is  with  pleasure  I  extend  to  you  cordial  and 
fraternal  greetings  as  Chief  Executive  of  the  Order  within 
the  Supreme  Jurisdiction  of  the  United  States.  Your 
duties  will  be  exacting  and  you  will  be  called  upon  to 
devote  much  time  to  the  work  of  the  fraternity.  These 
responsibilities  and  the  many  others  in  connection  with 
your  high  office  are  in  safe  custody.  In  our  Order  the 
preservation  of  Concord  is  a  necessity.  As  a  society, 
we  are  in  a  state  of  progress.  Much  that  was  once 
thought  unsuitable  and  wrong  in  principle  has  been, 
upon  mature  consideration,  adopted ;  much  that  was  once 
thought  desirable  and  even  necessary  to  our  existence 


44 


has  been  discarded  as  extended  experience  has  shown 
its  disadvantage.  For  these  results,  so  creditable  to 
judgment  and  so  honorable  to  intellect,  we  are  mainly 
indebted  to  Concord,  which  principle  you  will  cultivate 
among  the  Courts  and  brothers.  In  presenting  this 
gavel,  which  is  the  symbol  of  authority  (hands  Supreme 
Chief  Ranger  gavel),  I  invite  you  to  assume  your  station 
and  enter  upon  your  duties  with  the  good  will  and  kind 
wishes  of  every  member  of  the  Order.  (Supreme  Chief 
Ranger  assumes  station.)  The  Herald  will  declare  the 
ceremony  of  installation  concluded,  and  the  officers  of 
this  Supreme  Court  duly  and  legally  installed  for  the 
ensuing  term. 

Herald. — I  hereby  declare  the  ceremony  of  installation 
concluded,  and  the  officers  of  this  Supreme  Court  duly 
and  legally  installed. 

P.  S.  C.  R. — In  all  your  intercourse,  remember  that 
brotherly  love  is  the  prevailing  spirit  of  our  institu- 
tion. * 

Supreme  Chief  Ranger  may  deliver  his  address. 


Closing 


of  the 


46 


Closing 

S.  C.  R. —  'A'  lAr  'A'  Officers  and  Representatives,  the 
business  of  this  Supreme  Court  meeting  being  now  con- 
cluded, allow  me  to  thank  you  for  the  zeal  you  have 
manifested  in  furthering  the  interests  of  the  Order,  and 
to  express  the  earnest  hope  that  the  legislation  enacted 
may  tend  to  the  welfare  of  our  Order,  consolidate  its 
power,  and  extend  its  beneficent  principles. 

Before  closing,  permit  me  to  wish  you  a  safe  return 
to  your  respective  destinations,  and  to  impress  upon 
you  the  desirability  of  carefully  watching  the  interests 
of  the  fraternity  so  that  prosperity  and  harmony  may 
continue. 

Brethren,  I  now  declare  this  session  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  Foresters  of  America,  duly  and  legally  closed.  At 


opening 


of  s 


Grand  Court 


48 


Opening 

At  the  appointed  time  of  meeting  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger 
will  take  his  position  and  call  the  brothers  to  order. 

G.  C.  R. —  ^  In  obedience  to  the  Constitution  and 
General  Laws  of  the  Order  and  of  the  Grand  Court  of 

the  State  of   ,  we  are  assembled 

to  legislate  for  and  promote  the  welfare  of  our  fraternity. 
Upon  us  rests  the  responsibility  of  faithfully  carrying  out 
the  views  of  our  constituents  while  earnestly  seeking  the 
prosperity  of  our  Order.  Let  the  future  as  well  as  the 
present  welfare  of  this  Grand  Court  be  the  great  and 
leading  object  of  your  deliberations. 

I  now  direct  the  Grand  Woodwards  to  collect 
the  credentials  and  deliver  same  to  the  Committee 
on  Credentials  which  Committee  will  consist  of 
Brothers   

While  the  Committee  is  engaged  with  its  work  the  Grand 
Chief  Ranger  will  invite  members  of  the  Order  or  visitors  to 
address  the  Convention. 

(When  the  Credential  Committee  is  ready  to  report.) 

G.  C.  R. —  We  will  now  listen  to  the  report  of 
the  Committee  on  Credentials. 

Credential  Committee  reports  and  the  convention  acts  thereon. 

G.  C.  R. —  The  Grand  Woodwards  will  take  up 
the  password  and  examine  the  due  receipts. 

Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  do  so  and  report. 

G.  C.  R. —  it  iiT  if  Officers  and  Delegates,  while 
inviting  your  earnest  attention  to  the  business  that  may 
be  brought  before  us,  let  me  solicit  your  aid  in  support- 
ing the  dignity  of  the  chair  and  preserving  decorum  in 
our  proceedings.     I  now  declare  this  meeting  of  the 

Grand  Court  of  the  State  of   , 

Foresters  of  America,  duly  and  legally  open. 

The  Grand  Chief  Ranger  proceeds  as  provided  in  the  "Order 
of  Business": 


Installation 

of 

Grand  Court  Officers 


This  ceremony  may  be  used  in  public 


50 


Installation 

At  the  proper  time,  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  will  request 
the  Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  or  installing  officer  to 
take  the  position  of  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  and  will  sur- 
render to  him  the  gavel. 

The  retiring  Grand  Chief  Ranger  may  here  make  remarks 
suited  to  the  occasion.  Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  responds 
at  his  discretion,  and  appoints  Herald. 

D.  S.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  collect  the  re- 
galia and  present  them  to  me. 

Herald  collects  regalia  and  arranges  them  in  order  on  stand 
or  platform.,  in  front  of  installing  officer,  and  remains  stand- 
ing at  the  right  of  and  in  front  of  installing  officer. 

Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger  invests  Grand  Chief  Ranger 
with  regalia  and  says: 

D.  S.  C.  R.—  *  ★  *  Worthy  Grand  Chief  Ranger, 
the  regalia  with  which  I  invest  you  marks  the  close 
of  your  official  term  as  the  executive  head  of  the  Order 
in  this  State,  and  indicates  that  you  have  attained  the 
honor  of  Past  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  which  entitles  you 
to  life  membership  in  this  Grand  Court.  You  have  fully 
merited  the  honor  which  you  now  receive  and  I  am  sure 
the  Grand  Court  will  have  no  cause  to  regret  its  con- 
fidence in  you.  -^i^  The  Grand  Secretary  will  read  the 
list  of  officers-elect.  Each  officer,  as  his  name  is  called, 
will  form  in  line  at  my  left,  facing  the  chair. 

As  the  names  are  called,  officers  take  position. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  I 
have  the  honor  to  present  the  officers-elect. 

D.  S.  C.  R. — My  brothers,  you  will  place  yourselves 
in  position  to  take  the  obligation  required  of  offi- 
cers of  this  Grand  Court  and  repeat  after  me.  'At  ^  "At 

I,   ,  having 

been   elected  an  officer   of  the   Grand   Court,  State 

of   ,  Foresters  of  America,  do 

promise,  upon  my  honor,  that  I  will  support,  defend,  and 
bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the  Constitution  and  Gen- 
eral Laws  of  the  Order  and  the  Grand  Court  Laws  of  this 


51 


State.  I  will  carefully  guard  and  conserve  any  and 
all  property  of  the  Order  entrusted  to  me  and  will 
deliver  same  to  my  successor  or  any  duly  authorized 
member  or  officer  upon  demand.  I  will  faithfully  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  my  office  to  the  best  of  my 
ability. 

D.  G.  C.  R.—  ic  The  Herald  will  invest  the  officers 
with  the  regalia  of  office. 

Herald  does  so,  beginning  with  the  Trustees. 

Herald. — (After  investing  each  officer  with  regalia.) 
Brothers,  the  regalia  with  which  you  are  now  invested 
is  emblematic  and  distinctive  of  the  respective  offices 
to  which  you  have  been  elected.  Your  earnest  efforts 
and  highest  ambition  should  be  to  leave  at  the  expira- 
tion of  your  official  terms  an  unsullied  record. 

D.  S.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  conduct  the  officers  to 
their  respective  stations. 

The  Herald  does  so,  beginning  with  the  Trustees,  and  pre- 
sents the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  to  the  instalHng  officer. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger,  I 
have  the  honor  to  present  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  of 
this  State. 

D.  S.  C.  R.—  *  *  -A-  Worthy  Grand  Chief  Ranger, 
it  is  with  pleasure  I  extend  fraternal  greetings  to  you 
as  Chief  Executive  of  this  State  and  trust  that,  in 
your  future  course  through  life,  you  will  continue  to 
be  impressed  with  a  due  sense  of  those  duties  and 
obligations  which  should  be  the  aim  of  every  mem- 
ber of  the  Order  to  recognize  and  fulfill.  I  place  in 
your  possession  the  charter  of  this  Grand  Court,  under 
and  by  virtue  of  which,  it  is  legally  authorized  to 
meet  and  act.  As  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  your  duties 
are  numerous  and  can  best  be  performed  by  applying 
yourself  strictly  to  the  requirements  of  the  Order. 
You  will  continue  in  this  position  until  the  installation 
of  your  successor.  In  presenting  the  gavel  (hands  Grand 
Chief  Ranger  gavel),  which  is  the  symbol  of  authority,  I 
invite  you  to  assume  your  station.  (Grand  Chief  Ranger 
does  so.)     The  Herald  will  declare  the  ceremony  of 


52 


installation  concluded  and  the  officers  of  this  Grand 
Court  duly  and  legally  installed. 

Herald. — I  hereby  declare  the  ceremony  of  installa- 
tion concluded  and  the  officers  of  this  Grand  Court 
duly  and  legally  installed  for  the  ensuing  term. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — In  all  your  intercourse,  remember  that 
brotherly  love  is  the  prevailing  spirit  of  our  institu- 
tion. * 

Grand  Chief  Ranger  may  deliver  his  address. 


Closing 

of  a 

Grand  Court 


54 


Closing 

G.  C.  R. —  it  i>r  Brothers,  there  being  no  further 
business  before  this  Grand  Court,  we  will  proceed  to 
close.  M3.y  the  legislation  here  enacted  be  of  imme- 
diate and  permanent  benefit  to  the  Order!  Let  us  con- 
tinue to  maintain  the  harmony  and  brotherly  feeling 
which  now  prevails,  and  which  should  continue  to 
exist  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction.     I  now  declare  this 

session  of  the  Grand  Court,  State  of   , 

Foresters  of  America,  legally  closed.  ^ 


opening 

of  a 

New  Court 


56 


General  Instructions 

P.  O. — Presiding  Officer. 

For  the  purpose  of  instituting  a  new  Court,  either  the 
Grand  Chief  Ranger  or  a  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  Su- 
preme Chief  Ranger,  or  a  Deputy  Supreme  Chief  Ranger, 
should  officiate  and  be  accompanie-d  by  a  sufficient  number  of 
Grand  or  Supreme  Court  Officers  or  brothers  specially  ap- 
pointed for  the  occasion  to  represent  them,  to  fill  all  the  regu- 
lar Subordinate  Court  Officers'  positions. 

Before  the  Court  is  instituted,  the  list  of  charter  members 
must  be  approved  by  the  Supreme  Executive  Committee  or 
Grand  Court  Executive  Council.  The  Presiding  Officer  then 
appoints  a  Grand  or  Supreme  Secretary  and  a  Grand  or  Su- 
preme Senior  and  Junior  Beadle.  After  the  charter  members 
have  been  examined  by  the  physician,  the  Acting  Grand  or 
Supreme  Secretary  taking  a  position  in  the  anteroom,  will  col- 
lect from  them  the  balance  of  the  initiation  fees,  have  each 
one  answer  and  sign  the  necessary  questions  the  same  as  a 
candidate  in  an  existing  Court;  and,  as  each  one  complies,  his 
name  is  checked  off  on  the  charter  list  and  he  is  admitted  to 
the  meeting  room.  While  this  is  going  on,  the  Acting  Grand 
or  Supreme  Senior  Beadle  is  guarding  the  door  and  is  to 
admit  no  one  unless  duly  qualified  except  the  candidates  for 
the  new  Court  as  they  are  passed  by  the  Acting  Grand  or 
Supreme  Secretary.  After  all  the  charter  members  have  been 
admitted  into  the  meeting  room,  all  visiting  Foresters  of 
America  who  have  not  entered  shall  be  invited  to  do  so  if 
qualified.  The  doors  will  then  be  closed  and  the  Junior  Beadle 
remain  on  guard  outside.  If  a  candidate  arrives  late  the  Junior 
Beadle  should  announce  him  to  the  Presiding  Officer  through  the 
Senior  Beadle;  and  the  Presiding  Officer  will  send  out  either 
the  Secretary  or  some  Forester  of  America  who  may  be  called 
upon  to  assist  to  perform  the  Secretarj'-'s  duty  with  the  can- 
didate and  pass  him  in. 

The  Presiding  Officer  will  then  appoint  the  other  officers 
to  represent  the  Grand  or  Supreme  Court  who  will  assume  the 
various  stations  and  then  proceed. 


57 


Opening. 

P.  O. —  itc  The  officers  who  are  to  act  during  these 
ceremonies  will  clothe  themselves  in  proper  regalia  and 
assume  their  respective  stations.    (Officers  do  so.) 

We  will  sing  the  Opening  Ode.  ^  ^ 


Opening  ode. 


TuiTE— From  Greenknd's  Icy  HodAtains. 


4 — 

-i— 

3-    |g   r   1  r  r 

May  every  beart-be  guided. 

By  \yisdora  from  above  j 
Our  purpose  undivided, 

A  bfotberhood  of  love. 
Whil^  from  our  vales  aud  mountaiM, 

Aa*}  every  distaat  flbore. 


Shall  rise  one  mighty  p«eaa, 
Till  time  shall  be  rio  nior©» 

Then  bless  our  floWe  Ofd^ii 
And  may  it  ever  etandj,' 

An  ejnblem  of  true  UnioBj 
The  bulwark  of  Our  iand* 


P.  O. —  -jAr  This  meeting  having  been  called  for  the 
purpose  of  instituting  a  new  Court,  the  applications  for 
membership  will  be  presented. 

Acting  Recording  Secretary  reads  applications  in  the  usual 
way. 

P.  O. — Brother  Financial  Secretary,  have  these  can- 
didates complied  with  the  law  in  making  their  applica- 
tion for  membership? 

Financial  Secretary  answers, 

P.  O. — Have  the  laws  in  relation  to  investigation 
been  observed,  and  does  the  Investigating  Committee 
report  favorably? 


58 


In  a  new  Court,  the  investigation  is  conducted  by  the  Executive 
Council.    Financial  Secretary  answers. 

P.  O. — Have  the  candidates  been  examined  as  to 
their  physical  condition,  and  does  the  medical  examiner 
report  favorably? 

F.  S. — Worthy  Grand  Chief  (if  Grand  Chief  Ranger  is 

not  in  the  chair,  use  proper  title),  there  are   

candidates  awaiting  initiation.  They  have  been  examined, 
have  paid  the  required  fees,  have  complied  with  the 
regulations  of  the  Order  and  the  medical  examiner  re- 
ports favorably. 

P.  O. — The  lav/s  having  been  fully  observed,  we  will 
proceed  to  ballot.  If  any  member  knows  of  anything  which 
should  prevent  these  candidates  or  any  one  of  them  from 
becoming  members  of  the  Order,  let  him  now  speak. 
(Pauses.)  If  there  are  no  objections,  the  ballot  will  be 
a  collective  one.  (Pauses,  and  if  there  are  no  objections)  : 
And  I  so  direct.  The  Senior  Woodward  will  prepare  the 
ballot  box. 

Senior  Woodward  does  so  in  the  regular  way. 

P.  O. — We  will  proceed  to  vote,  beginning  with  the 
members  on  my  left.  Remember  that  white  balls  elect 
and  black  ones  reject. 

Members  vote  in  the  usual  way.  When  it  appears  all  have 
voted  who  wish: 

P.  O. — If  all  who  so  desire  have!  voted,  I  shall  declare 
the  ballot  box  closed.  (Pauses.)  And  I  so  order.  ^ 
(At  least  seven  votes  must  be  cast  to  constitute  an  elec- 
tion.) 

Senior  Woodward  proceeds  in  the  usual  way. 

P.  O. — Worthy  Grand  Sub-Chief  Ranger  (or  correct 
title),  how  do  you  find  the  ballot? 

G.  S.  C.  R.— I  find  the  ballot  clear  (or  not  clear). 

P.  O. — I,  too,  find  the  ballot  clear  (or  not  clear)  and 
declare  (if  ballot  is  clear)  the  candidates  duly  and  legally 
elected  to  become  members  of  the  Order  by  initiation.  ^ 

If  the  ballot  is  not  clear,  the  usual  procedure  in  existing  Courts 
is  followed. 


59 


P.  O. — We  will  now  proceed  with  the  ceremony  of 
initiation. 

For  the  purpose  of  the  initiation,  there  should  be  either  a 
Grand  or  Supreme  Court  team  or  the  team  of  the  nearest 
existing  Court  should  be  invited  to  act.  The  initiation  must 
be  conducted  in  the  regular  ritualistic  form.  After  the  initia- 
tion, the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  (or  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger) 
assumes  the  station  of  the  presiding  officer  and  proceeds  with  the 
institution  of  the  new  Court. 

P.  O. —  As  members  of  a  united  and  widespread- 
ing  fraternity,  we  are  assembled  on  this  occasion  for 
the  performance  of  a  gratifying,  interesting  and  im- 
portant ceremony — that  of  establshing  this  new  Court 
which  we  are  now  about  to  institute.  It  is  by  cere- 
monies such  as  this  that  our  Order  and  its  purposes 
have  become  known;  and  it  is  from  such  inaugurations 
that  it  will  continue  to  extend  its  beneficent  and  time- 
honored  principles.  May  the  formation  of  this  Court 
bind  its  members  in  acts  of  brotherly  love,  charity 
I  -  and  good  will ;  and  may  they  ever  experience  the  bless- 
ings that  emanate  from  such  a  brotherly  union.  The 

founders.  Brothers   , 

will  assemble  in  front  of  the  altar,  forming  a  semi- 
circle, and  the  Grand  Secretary  will  read  the  char- 
ter.  *  *  ★ 

,  Founders  take  directed  position  and  the   Grand  Secretary 

reads  the  charter. 

P.  O. — (Addressing  the  founders  after  the  charter  has 
been  read,)  Do  you  promise,  as  founders  of  this  Court,  to 
accept  the  full  terms  of  the  charter,  and  do  everything 
in  your  power  to  promote  its  welfare? 

Founders. — Yes. 

P.  O. — Brothers,  do  you  agree  to  the  terms  of  the 
charter  and  will  you  comply  with  the  conditions  upon 
which  it  is  granted? 

Members. — Yes. 

P.  O. — The  founders  will  now  sign  the  charter  as 
an  evidence  of  the  acceptance  of  the  terms  under  which 
it  is  granted.  -jAr 

Founders  do  so. 


60 


P.  O. —  'A'  'A'  'At  The  charter  having  been  accepted 
and  signed,  I  hereby  declare  this  Court  duly  and  legally 
instituted  for  all  the  objects  and  purposes  of  the  Order 
as  provided  in  the  General  Laws  of  the  Order  and  the 
Grand  Court  Laws  of  this  State.  It  will  be  incumbent 
upon  you  to  yield  a  ready  and  willing  obedience  and  cheer- 
ful compliance  to  all  the  regulations  by  which  we  are  gov- 
erned. It  will  also  be  your  duty  to  do  everything  possible 
to  promote  the  welfare  and  success  of  your  Court  so  it  will 
be  placed  upon  a  secure  and  permanent  foundation  which 
will  insure  a  perpetuation  of  the  benefits  it  undertakes  to 
confer.  ^ 

P.  O. — The  Court  will  now  proceed  with  the  trans- 
action of  business. 

Rule  I.    Reading  of  the  Minutes 

P.  O. — The  (Grand  or  Supreme)  Secretary  will  now 
read  the  minutes  of  the  institution  of  this  Court. 

Secretary  reads  the  minutes,  which  gives  the  new  Court 
an  official  record  of  its  institution,  by  whom  and  who  the 
charter  members  were,  etc. 

P.  O. — If  there  are  no  corrections  to  be  made,  the 
minutes  will  be  approved  as  read. 
If  corrections  are  made: 

P.  O. — The  minutes  having  been  read  and  corrected, 
if  there  are  no  objections,  they  will  be  approved  as 
amended. 

Rule  II.   Applications  for  Membership 

P.  O. — Are  there  any  applications  to  present? 

If  applications  are  presented,  Investigating  Committees  will 
be  appointed  in  the  usual  way.  Efforts  should  be  made  by 
charter  members  to  always  have  some  applications  to  start 
the  Court  off  right. 

III.  Communications 

P.  O. — Brother  Acting  Recording  Secretary,  if  you 
have  any  communications  to  present,  please  read  them. 

Acting  Recording  Secretary  does  so  and  they  are  disposed 
of  in  the  usual  way. 


61 

IV.  Bills 

P.  O. — Brother  Acting  Recording  Secretary,  if  you 
have  any  bills,  please  present  them. 

Acting  Recording  Secretary  does  so,  and  they  are  disposed 
of  in  the  regular  way. 

V.    Reports  of  Committees 

P.  O. — We  will  now  listen  to  the  reports  of  com- 
mittees. 

Under  this  rule,  all  committees  may  report,  and  the  re- 
ports are  disposed  of  in  the  regular  way.  Arrangements 
should  be  made  in  advance  to  have  a  committee  on  "Time 
and  Place  of  Regular  Meetings  of  the  New  Court"  ready  to 
report  under  this  heading. 

VI.    Nomination  and  Election  of  Officers 

P.  O. — We  will  now  proceed  with  the  election  of 
officers  and  I  shall  accept  nominations. 
Officers  are  nominated  and  elected  in  the  regular  way. 

VII.    Installation  of  Officers 

P.  O. — I  am  ready  to  install  the  officers  and  I  ap- 
point Brother    to  act 

as  Herald. 

Officers  are  installed  in  the  usual  way. 

VIII.    New  Business 

Presided  over  by  newly  installed  Chief  Ranger. 

C.  R. — We  are  now  open  in  "New  Business."  Has 
any  Brother  anything  to  offer  under  this  rule? 

Such  new  matters  as  are  necessary  may  be  presented  and 
acted  upon.  By-Law  Committee  should  be  appointed  and 
arrangements  made  to  purchase  such  stationery  and  parapher- 
nalia as  is  necessary.  Steps  should  also  be  taken  to  handle 
the  finances  of  the  Court  as  is  required  by  law. 

IX.    Good  and  Welfare 

C.  R. — The  Lecturer  will  assume  charge  of  the  good 
and  welfare  of  the  Court  and  proceed  with  his  enter- 
tainment. 


62 


Lecturer  may  invite  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  and  his  col- 
leagues to  speak,  and  call  on  visitors. 


X.    Receipts  and  Expenses 

C.  R. — The  Financial  Secretary  will  announce 
receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  evening. 

Financial  Secretary  does  so. 


the 


XI.  Closing 

C.  R. — ^We  are  now  about  to  close  this  meeting;  but, 
before  doing  so,  permit  me  to  remind  you  that  we  are 
obligated  to  refrain  from  discussing  the  secret  affairs 
of  the  Order  within  the  hearing  of  strangers.  I  thank 
all  of  those  who  were  instrumental  in  the  establish- 
ment of  this  Court,  and  am  positive  it  will  be  a  credit 
to  the  fraternity.  On  behalf  of  the  members,  I  convey 
to  the  Grand  Officers  and  to  the  visitors,  our  sincere 
appreciation  for  their  labors  in  our  behalf,  and  assure 
them  that  we  shall  do  our  utmost  to  merit  their  con- 
fidence. The  members  of  this  Court  must  realize  their 
responsibilities  for  upon  them  depends  the  future  sta- 
bility of  the  Order.  I  shall  expect  you  to  exercise  a 
good  influence  and,  by  the  example  you  set,  exhibit 
the  Order  in  its  true  light.  We  will  now  sing  the  Closing 
Ode.  ★  *  ★ 


CLOSING  ODE. 


Tune— Old  Hundred. 


Good  night  f  and  may  we  ever  part 
In  body  single,  one  in  heart; 
Each  holding  with  integrity. 
True  pxiooiples  of  Forestry. 


2  Good  night!  and  may  onr  epirits 
By  no  unkindly  thought  oppressei 
But  with  a  happy  couRcioJisnesa, 
01  an  approving  Providenoo. 


63 


C.  R. — Brothers,  you  will  join  me  in  giving  the 
Retiring  Sign — (No.  16), 

Officers  and  members  do  so. 

C.  R. — I  now  declare  the  meeting  of  this  Court  duly 
and  legally  closed  in  accordance  with  the  ancient  cus- 
toms of  the  Foresters  of  America.  ^ 


c 


Installation 

of 

Subordinate  Court  Officers 


First  Order  Under  New  Business 

c 


66 

Important 


It  is  the  duty  of  a  Grand  Chief  Ranger  to  install,  or 
cause  to  be  installed,  by  a  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the 
officers  of  all  Subordinate  Courts  within  and  under  the  juris- 
diction of  a  Grand  Court.  The  Grand  Chief  Ranger  or  Deputy 
Grand  Chief  Ranger  shall  be  assisted  by  a  Herald  appointed 
by  him.  If  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  acts  as  installing  officer, 
the  word,  "Deputy,"  shall  be  omitted  and  the  title,  "Grand 
Chief  Ranger,"  used.  The  installation  shall  take  place  immedi- 
ately on  opening  of  "New  Business."  A  short  recess  is  de- 
clared, during  which  installing  officers  retire  to  the  anteroom. 
Chief  Ranger  then  calls  Court  to  order.  If  possible,  music 
should  accompany  the  floor  movements. 

The  installing  officer,  before  this  order  of  business  is 
reached,  whether  he  be  Grand  Chief  Ranger  or  Deputy  Grand 
Chief  Ranger,  must,  by  a  personal  examination  of  the  records, 
satisfy  himself  that  the  officers  about  to  be  installed  are  elig- 
ible for  the  offices  to  which  they  ha^^e  been  elected  and  those 
required  by  law  to  be  bonded  are  bonded  in  accordance  with 
the  provisions  of  Section  61  of  the  General  Laws.  If  not  the 
officers  affected  must  not  be  installed  until  after  the  Court 
obeys  the  law. 


67 

Installation 

C.  R. — Brother  Senior  Beadle,  ascertain  if  the  in- 
stalling officers  are  in  attendance. 

Senior  Beadle  gives  If  answered, 

S.  B.— Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  Deputy  Grand 
Chief  Ranger  and  Herald  are  in  waiting. 

C.  R.— The  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  will  retire  and 
inform  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger  that  the  offi- 
cers of  this  Court  for  the  ensuing  term  await  installa- 
tion. 

Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  retires  in  regular  form. 
When  the  installing  officer  is  ready,  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger 
gives  alarm,  i-^^) 

S.  B. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  Junior  Past  Chief 
Ranger,  with  the  installing  officers,  seeks  admission. 

C.  R.— Admit  them.    *  *  *  * 

Enter  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger, 
and  Herald,  in  due  form. 

J.  P.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  take  pleasure 
in  presenting  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger  and  his 
Herald.  (Salutation.) 

C.  R. — Brothers,  you  will  join  with  me  in  extending 
the  Grand  Honors. 

(Grand  Honors  are  extended.) 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  we  are  here  to 
install  the  officers  of  this  Court  for  the  ensuing  term. 
Are  they  in  readiness? 

C.  R. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the 
officers  for  the  ensuing  term  are  in  readiness  and  await 
installation. 

Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  conducts  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger 
to  Chief  Ranger's  place.    Herald  remains  at  altar. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  ^  The  retiring  officers  will  surrender 
to  the  Herald  any  and  all  property,  books  and  secur- 
ities in  their  possession  belonging  to  the  Court,  and 


68 


vacate  their  respective  stations.  The  Recording  Secre- 
tray  will  furnish  the  Herald  with  a  list  of  the  officers- 
elect.    The  brothers  will  please  observe  order. 

Herald  collects  regalia,  bank  book,  securities,  etc.,  and  places 
them  on  desk  near  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger.  Recording  Sec- 
retary furnishes  list  of  officers-elect.  Chief  Ranger  remains 
standing  on  the  dais.  Herald  takes  a  position  immediately  in 
front  of  Recording  Secretary's  desk  and  remains  standing. 

//  Chief  Ranger  is  entitled  to  the  honors,  he  is  installed  as 
Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  am  pleased  to 
inform  you  that  you  are  now  the  Junior  Past  Chief 
Ranger  of  this  Court.  It  is  a  position  highly  honor- 
able to  him  who  has  discharged  the  duties  of  Chief 
Ranger  so  faithfully  and  with  the  judgment  and  discre- 
tion that  you  have  used.  No  office  in  the  Order  is 
too  high  for  you  to  aspire  to  and  you  will  merit  the 
highest  by  continuing  to  show  that  no  duty  is  too  hum- 
ble for  you  to  perform.  The  Herald  will  invest  you 
with  the  regalia  of  office  and  officially  proclaim  you 
duly  and  legally  installed. 

Herald. —  (Investing  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  with 
regalia.)  In  proclaiming  you  officially  install-ed  as  Junior 
Past  Chief  Ranger  of  this  Court,  I  invest  you  with  the 
regalia  of  office  and  hope  you  will  continue  your  activi- 
ties on  behalf  of  the  Court  and  your  brother  members. 

Conducts  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  to  his  station. 

D.  G.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  call  the  names  of  the 
officers-elect;  who,  as  they  are  called,  will  assemble  in 
front  of  the  altar,  facing  this  station.  The  position  of 
the  Chief  Ranger-elect  will  be  at  the  head  of  the  line, 
which  will  form  opposite  the  Lecturer  and  extend  in  a 
semi-circle  across  the  room. 

Chief  Ranger  or  any  other  officer  who  is  re-elected  is  in- 
stalled the  same  as  upon  first  election.  Herald  calls  names  from 
his  position  on  the  floor  in  front  of  the  Recording  Secretary's 
desk. 

Herald. —  {IV hen  the  officers-elect  are  properly  assem- 
bled.) Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I  have  the 
honor  to  present  for  instalaltion  the  officers-elect. 


69 


D.  G.  C.  R.— 

the  installation 


★  ★★ 

ode. 


We  will  sing  the  first  verse  of 


INSTALI.ATION  ODE. 


Tu^fK— Aiild  langSyne. 


• — 1 

lifiSiiiBii^ 


•    0  e 

1  Come  let  us  swell  the  joyful  note, 

Aud  hail  our  chosen  band  , 
Who  in  accordance  with  our  vote. 

To  night  before  us  stand  i 
Our  Chief  and  Sob-Cbief  Raitger  now, 

To  seats  of  bohor  move. 
To  guide  our  Order  tbroagh  the  term 

In  confidence  and  love. 


2  Hail  all  our  ofGcers-elect, 
Of  high  and  low  degree  ; 
Hail  each  with  due  and  kind  respect. 

Whate'er  bis  station  be. 
We  place  our  progress  in  tljeir  hands, 

And  trust  that  they  will  find 
Ua  SHbject  to  all  their  commands, 
AH.  steadfast,  true  and  kind. 


D.  G.  C.  R. —  ^  Brothers,  are  you  each  willing  to 
assume  the  duties  of  the  office  to  which  you  have  been 
elected? 

Each  officer  will  answer  in  turn. 

D.  G.  C.  R.— Brothers  of  Court   , 

is  there  any  reason  why  these  officers  or  any  one  of  them 
should  not  be  installed? 

If  there  are  no  objections. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  {From  his  station.)  My  brothers,  I  con- 
gratulate you  upon  your  election  as  officers  of  this 
Court,  freely  chosen,  to  administer  the  affairs  during 
your  respective  terms  of  office.  The  constitution  of 
our  Order  provides  three  distinct  branches  of  govern- 
ment— the  Court,  the  Grand  Court,  and  the  Supreme 
Court — each  in  a  degree  independent  of  the  other  and 
self-governing,  but  all  emanating  from  one  and  the 
same  source,  the  members  at  large,  the  foundation  of 
all  legitimate  power.  The  Court,  as  the  basis  of  the 
rest  of  the  superstructure,  first  claims  and  deserves  at- 
tention.   Here  are  taught  the  principles  of  duty  and 


70 


obedience,  for  here  the  practice  of  self-government  is 
in  full  and  constant  operation.  In  the  Court  and  be- 
fore the  law,  no  one  is  greater  than  another.  All  meet 
here  on  terms  of  perfect  equality.  It  will  be  your 
duty  in  the  same  degree  as  it  is  the  ordinary  member's 
duty  to  observe  these  principles  and  obey  the  laws. 
Qualify  yourselves  to  perform  well  your  part  and  guard 
the  interests  of  the  Order. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — You  will  each  place  yourself  in  position 
to  take  the  obligation  which  you  will  repeat  as  I  ad- 
minister. *  *  * 

Officers  place  themselves  in  position. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  {Leaves  his  station.  Is  joined  on  floor 
by  Herald  who  takes  with  him  the  officers'  regalias  and, 

together,  they  proceed  to  altar.)  I,   

having  been  elected  an  officer  of  this  Court  do  most 
solemnly  and  sincerely  promise,  to  the  best  of  my 
ability,  to  faithfully  perform  the  duties  of  my  office  in 
accordance  with  all  the  requirements  of  the  Foresters 
of  America.  I  promise  to  support,  sustain,  and  abide 
by  the  Constitution  and  General  Laws  of  the  Order, 
the  Grand  Court  Laws  of  the  State,  and  the  By-Laws 
of  this  Court.  I  will  carefully  guard  and  conserve  all 
moneys,  books,  records,  securities,  or  other  property 
of  this  Court  or  the  Order  which  may  be  entrusted 
to  me,  and  will  deliver  same  to  my  successor  or  any 
other  duly  authorized  member  or  officer  upon  demand. 
I  make  these  pledges  freely  and  bind  myself  upon  my 
honor  as  a  man  to  keep  them. 

Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger  returns  to  station.  Herald  remains 
at  altar  facing  the  officers. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  ^  The  obligation  you  have  just  taken 
is  a  solemn  promise  to  perform  your  full  duty  and  no 
one  can  expect  more.  You  are  pledged  to  Liberty, 
Unity,  Benevol-ence  and  Concord,  which,  if  practiced,  will 
lead  to  higher  and  nobler  achievements.  The  Herald 
will  invest  each  of  you  with  the  regalia  of  your  oft'ice. 

Herald  invests  officers  with  regalia,  beginning  with  the  Trus- 
tees, after  which  he  assumes  his  position  between  the  altar  and 
the  Chief  Ranger  facing  the  officers. 


71 


D.  G.  C.  R—  *  *  *  We  will  sing  the  second 
verse  of  the  installation  ode. 


Installation  Ode. 


_  Chokus. 

FiNF,.       K     IS  N    N  •'  ^  iD-^. 


Come  let  us  swell  the  joyful  note, 

And  hail  our  chosen  band  ; 
Who  in  accordance  •with  our  vote. 

To  night  before  us  stand  ; 
Our  Chief  and  Sab-Cbkf  Ranger  now, 

To  seats  of  bohor  move. 
To  guide  our  Order  tbroagh  the  term 

In  cou&dence  and  love. 


2  Hail  all  our  officers-elect. 

Of  high  and  low  degree  ; 
Hail  each  with  due  and  kind  respect. 

Whate'er  his  station  be. 
We  place  our  progress  in  tl?eir  hands. 

And  trust  that  they  will  find 
Ua  sabject  to  all  their  commands, 

AH  steadfast,  true  and  kind. 


D.  G.  C.  R.—  * 

Herald. — Brothers,  you  are  each  invested  with  re- 
galia of  the  office  to  which  you  have  been  elected. 
Your  knowledge  of  our  laws  and  regulations  makes 
your  duty  plain  and  lightens  the  burdens  to  which 
you  otherwise  would  be  subject.  Do  your  share  to 
make  our  Court  room  a  common  ground  upon  which 
the  sons  of  toil  and  the  children  of  leisure  may  meet  to 
receive  and  impart  instructions.  Our  meeting  place 
ought  to  be  preserved  as  a  temple  sacred  to  friend- 
ship where  envious  feelings  shall  have  no  place,  and 
where  the  only  aim  shall  be  to  minister  to  the  welfare 
and  happiness  of  the  brotherhood. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  now  conduct  you  to 
your   respective  stations. 

Herald  does  so,  beginning  with  the  Trustees. 
When  officers  have  been  taken  to  stations,  the  Herald  takes 
his  position  in  front  of  the  altar. 

Herald. —  (From  in  front  of  the  altar.)  Worthy  Deputy 
Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the  officers  are  at  their  stations. 


72 


D.  G.  C.  R.—  *  *  *  Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  your 
officers  are  installed  and  at  their  stations.  Nothing  re- 
mains but  for  you  to  assume  charge  of  the  Court.  I  place 
in  your  possession  the  charter,  by  virtue  of  which  the 
Court  will  hold  its  meetings,  and  the  rituals,  which  teaches 
our  ceremonies.  For  their  safe  custody  you  are  respon- 
sible. I  also  present  this  gavel,  the  symbol  of  authority 
(hands  Chief  Ranger  gavel),  with  the  firm  belief  that  the 
judgment  and  discretion  of  your  brothers  in  placing  you  in 
this  high  position  is  a  sufficient  guarantee  that  you  will 
use  it  fairly  in  governing  the  Court.  You  v^ill  please 
assume  your  station. 

Deputy  steps  to  left  and  Chief  Ranger  assumes  station. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  declare  the  ceremony 
of  installation  concluded  and  the  officers  of  this  Court 
duly  and  legally  installed. 

Herald. — (From  in  front  of  the  altar.)  By  command 
of  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I  hereby  declare 
the  ceremony  of  installation  concluded,  and  tne  officers 

of  Court   ,  No  , 

duly  and  legally  installed  for  the  ensuing  term,  in  con- 
formity with  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  Foresters 
of  America. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — May  peace,  prosperity  and  progress 
mark  the  career  of  this  Court  for  all  time! 


C.  R.-  ★ 


Public  Installation 


of 


Subordinate  Court  Officers 


The  Grand  Chief  Ranger  or  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  when 
officers  are  publicly  installed,  shall  be  assisted  by  an  Acting 
Grand  Officer  (for  each  officer  to  be  installed),  and  a  Herald. 

The  instructions  governing  Private  Installations  also  apply  to 
Public  Installations. 


74 


Public  Installation 

C.  R. — Brother  Senior  Beadle,  ascertain  if  the  Install- 
ing Officers  are  in  attendance. 

Senior  Beadle  gives  ^  ^  If  answered,  ^ 

S.  B. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  Deputy  Grand 
Chief  Ranger  and  Installing  Officers  are  in  waiting. 

C.  R. — The  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  will  retire  and 
inform  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger  and  his  staff 
that  the  officers  of  this  Court  for  the  ensuing  term 
await  installation. 

Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  retires  in  form,  using  military 
salute.  When  the  Installing  Officers  are  ready,  Junior  Past 
Chief  Ranger  gives  alarm.        ^  ^ 

S.  B. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  the  Junior  Past  Chief 
Ranger,  with  the  installing  officers,  seek  admission. 

C.  R.— Adimit  them.   *  *  *  * 

Enter  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger, 
Installing  Officers  and  Herald  in  form. 

J.  P.  C.  P. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  take  pleasure 
in  presenting  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger  and  his 
staff.     (Military  salute.) 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  we  are  ready  to 
install  the  officers  of  this  Court  for  the  ensuing  term. 
Are  they  in  readiness? 

C.  R. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the 
officers  for  the  ensuing  term  are  in  readiness  and  await 
installation. 

Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  conducts  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger 
to  Chief  Ranger's  place.    Herald  and  staff  remains  at  altar. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  -i^  The  retiring  officers  will  surrender 
to  the  Herald  any  and  all  property,  books  and  secur- 
ities in  their  possession  belonging  to  the  Court,  and 
vacate  their  respective  stations,  to  be  occupied  by  the 
Grand  Installing  Officers.  The  Recording  Secretary 
will  furnish  the  Herald  with  a  list  of  the  officers-elect. 
Those  present  will  please  observe  order. 


75 


Installing  officers  assume  the  stations  vacated  by  the  Court 
officers.  Herald  collects  regalia,  bank  book,  securities,  etc.,  and 
places  them  on  desk  near  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger.  Record- 
ing Secretary  furnishes  list  of  officers-elect.  Chief  Ranger  re- 
mains standing  on  the  dais.  Herald  takes  a  position  immediately 
in  front  of  Recording  Secretary's  desk  and  remains  standing. 

li  Chief  Ranger  is  entitled  to  the  honors,  he  is  installed  as 
Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  I  am  pleased  to 
inform  you  that  you  are  now  the  Junior  Past  Chief 
Ranger  of  this  Court.  It  is  a  position  highly  honor- 
able to  him  who  has  discharged  the  duties  of  Chief 
Ranger  so  faithfully  and  with  the  judgment  and  discre- 
tion that  you  have  used.  No  office  is  too  high  for  you 
to  aspire  to  and  you  will  merit  the  highest  by  continu- 
ing to  show  that  no  duty  is  too  humble  for  you  to  per- 
form. The  Herald  will  invest  you  with  the  regalia  of 
office  and  officially  proclaim  you  duly  and  legally  in- 
stalled. 

Herald. —  (Investing  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  with 
regalia.)  In  proclaiming  you  officially  installed  as  Junior 
Past  Chief  Ranger  of  this  Court,  I  invest  you  with  the 
regalia  of  office  and  hope  you  will  continue  your 
activities  on  behalf  of  the  Court  and  your  brother 
members. 

Conducts  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger  to  his  station. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  call  the  names  of  the 
officers-elect;  who,  as  they  are  called,  will  assemble  in 
front  of  the  altar,  facing  this  station.  The  position  of 
the  Chief  Ranger-elect  will  be  at  the  head  of  the  line, 
which  will  form  opposite  the  Lecturer  and  extend  in  a 
semi-circle  across  the  room. 

Herald  calls  names  from  his  position  on  the  floor  in  front  of 
the  Recording  Secretary's  desk. 

Herald. —  (When  the  officers-elect  are  properly  as- 
sembled.) Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I  have 
the  honor  to  present  for  installation  the  officers-elect. 

D.  G.  C.  R.—  *  *  *  We  will  sing  the  first  verse 
of  the  installation  ode. 


76 


Installation  Ode. 


Come  let  us  swell  the  joyful  oote, 

And  hail  our  chosen  band  , 
Who  in  accordance  with  our  vote. 

To  night  before  us  stand  ; 
Our  Chief  and  Sob-Cbief  Ranger  now, 

To  seats  of  honor  move. 
To  gui^  our  Orner  tbrongh  tbe  term 
In  cou&dence  and  love. 


2  Hail  all  our  ofiicers-elect, 
Of  high  and  low  degree  ; 
Hail  each  \s-ith  due  and  kind  respect. 

V.'haie'er  his  station  be. 
We  place  our  progress  in  tljeir  hands, 

.^nd  trust  that  they  will  find 
Us  sHhject  to  all  their  commands, 
Ah.  steadfast,  true  and  kind. 


D.  G.  C.  R. —  Brothers,  are  you  each  willing  to 
assume  the  duties  of  the  office  to  which  you  have  been 
elected? 

Each  officer  will  answer  in  turn. 

D  G.  C.  R.— Brothers  of  Court  , 

No  ,  is  there  any  reason  why  these  ofTicers  or  any 

one  of  them  should  not  be  installed? 

If  there  are  no  objections: 

D.  G.  C.  R. — (From  hU  station.)  My  brothers,  I  con- 
gratulate you  upon  your  election  as  officers  of  this 
Court,  freely  chosen,  to  administer  the  affairs  during 
5^our  respective  terms  of  office.  The  constitution  of 
our  Order  provides  three  distinct  branches  of  govern- 
ment— the  Court,  the  Grand  Court,  and  the  Supreme 
Court — each,  in  a  degree,  independent  of  the  other, 
and  self-governing,  but  all  emanating  from  one  and  the 
same  source,  the  members  at  large,  the  foundation  of 
all  legitimate  power.  The  Court,  as  the  basis  of  the 
rest  of  the  superstructure,  first  claims  and  deserves 
attention.  Here  are  taught  the  principles  of  duty  and 
obedience,  for  here  the  practice  of  self-government  is  in 
full  and  constant  opration.  In  the  Court  and  before 
the  law,  no  one  is  greater  than  another.    All  meet  here 


77 


on  terms  of  perfect  equality.  It  will  be  your  duty  in 
the  same  degree  as  it  is  the  ordinary  member's  duty 
to  observe  these  principles  and  obey  the  laws.  Qualify 
yourself  to  perform  well  your  part  and  guard  the  inter- 
ests of  the  Order. 

D.  G.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  escort  the  Chief 
Ranger-elect  to  a  position  in  front  of  this  station. 

Herald. — Worthy   Deputy   Grand   Chief   Ranger,  I 

have  the  honor  to  present  Brother   . . , 

the  Chief  Ranger-elect  of  this  Court. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — {To  Chief  Ranger-elect,)  You  will  place 
yourself  in  position  to  take  the  obligation  which  you 
will  repeat  as  I  administer.       ^  ^ 

D.  G.  C.  R. — {From  his  station.)    I,   , 

having  been  elected  Chief  Ranger  of  this  Court,  do 
most  solemnly  and  sincerely  promise  to  faithfully  perform, 
to  the  best  of  my  ability,  the  duties  of  my  office.  I  prom- 
ise to  support,  sustain  and  abide  by  the  Constitution  and 
General  Laws  of  the  Order,  the  Grand  Court  Laws  of 
the  State,  and  the  by-laws  of  this  Court.  I  will  carefully 
guard  and  conserve  all  moneys,  books,  records,  securities 
or  other  property  of  this  Court  or  the  Order  which  may 
be  entrusted  to  me,  and  will  deliver  same  to  my  suc- 
cessor or  any  other  duly  authorized  officer  or  member. 
I  make  these  pledges  freely  and  bind  myself  upon 
ray  honor  as  a  man  to  keep  them. 

D.  G.  C.  R.—  The  Herald  will  invest  the  Chief 
Ranger  with  the  regalia  of  his  office  and  conduct  him 
to  this  station. 

Herald. — {Investing  Chief  Ranger  with  regalia  of 
office.)  Your  knowledge  of  our  laws  and  regulations 
makes  your  duty  plain  and  lightens  the  burdens  to 
which  you  otherwise  would  be  subject.  Do  your  share 
to  make  our  Court  room  a  common  ground  upon 
which  the  sons  of  toil  and  the  children  of  leisure  may 
meet  to  receive  and  impart  instructions.  Please  be 
seated  at  the  right  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger. 


78 


D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  present  for  installation 
the  Sub-Chief  Ranger-elect. 

Herald. — The    Sub-Chief    Ranger    of    this  Court, 

Brother   ,  is  ready  to  be 

installed. 

D.  G.  C.  R.— Brother,   , 

you  are  familiar  with  the  laws  and  principles  of  our 
Order  and  know  that  the  path  of  distinction  is  open 
to  all.  You  are  to  assist  the  Chief  Ranger  and,  in  his 
absence,  act  in  his  stead  and  be  subject  to  the  same 
responsibilities.  You  will  place  yourself  in  position 
to  take  the  obligation.  ^ 

Herald  places  Sub-Chief  Ranger  in  proper  position  to  take  the 
obligation. 

I,   ,  having  been 

elected  Sub-Chief  Ranger  of  this  Court,  do  solemnly 
promise  that  I  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  promote 
the  general  welfare  of  this  Court  and  of  the  Order. 
I  will  endeavor  to  act  with  impartiality  on  all  matters 
connected  with  the  office  to  which  I  have  been  elected, 
and  consider  myself  subject  to  the  same  restrictions  and 
under  like  obligations  as  the  Chief  Ranger.  In  token  there- 
of, I  pledge  my  word  of  honor. 

D.  G.  C.  R.—  The  Herald  will  invest  the  Sub- 
Chief  Ranger  with  the  regalia  of  office  and  conduct 
him  to  this  station. 

Herald. — Worthy  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  it  is  my  pleas- 
ant duty  to  invest  you  with  the  regalia  of  your  office. 
May  you  surrender  the  position  to  your  successor  sat- 
isfied that  you  have  proven  faithful  to  the  trust  re- 
posed in  you. 

D.  G.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  present  the  Brothers 
who  have  been  elected  to  the  offices  of  Treasurer, 
Financial  and  Recording  Secretaries  to  take  the  obli- 
gation. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I 
take  pleasure  in  introducing  Brothers   


79 


who  have  been  elected  Treasurer,  Financial,  and 
Recording  Secretaries  of  this  Court. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — My  Brothers,  you  will  place  yourselves 
in  position  and  repeat  the  obligation,  ii^ 

^,  ' 

(each  will  repeat  his  name),  having  been  elected  to  the 

office  of    {each  will 

give  the  title  of  his  office),  do  solemnly  and  sincerely 
promise  that  I  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  discharge  the 

duties  of   (each  will  give 

the  title  of  his  office),  until  th-e  installation  of  my  suc- 
cessor. I  will  sustain,  abide  by  and  obey  the  laws  of  the 
Order  and  will  deliver  to  my  successor  or  to  such  person 
as  shall  be  duly  authorized  to  receive  the  same,  all  mon-ey, 
books,  records,  securities  or  property  of  this  Court  or  the 
Order,  in  my  possession.  I  make  this  promise  on  the 
honor  of  a  man  who  respects  the  value  of  truth  and 
desires  to  retain  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  his 
fellow  men. 

D.   G.   C.   R.—  The   Herald   will   invest  the 

Brothers  with  the  regalia  of  their  offices  and  conduct 
them  to  their  respective  stations. 

Herald. — My  Brothers,  it  is  a  pleasure  to  invest  each 
of  you  with  the  regalia  of  office.  (Invests  with  regalia.) 
Upon  the  prompt  and  faithful  discharge  of  your  duties 
largely  depends  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  this 
Court.  It  should  be  your  ambition  to  leave  for  your 
successor  a  good  example  and  a  clear  and  faithful 
record.    Please  assume  your  station. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  present  the  Lecturer- 
elect  for  installation. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I  have 

the  pleasure  to  present  to  you  Brother  , 

who  has  been  elected  Lecturer  of  this  Court. 

D.  G.  C.  R.—  *  *  *    Brother   , 

you  will  place  yourself  in  position  and  repeat  the  fol- 
lowing obligation: 


80 


^>  •  •  •  •  ,  having  been 

elected  Lecturer  of  this  Court,  do  solemnly  and  sin- 
cerely promise  that  I  will  further,  to  the  best  of  my 
ability,  the  general  wlfare  of  this  Court  and  of  the 
Order. 

D.  G.  C.  R. —  ^  The  Herald  will  invest  the  Lecturer 
with  the  regalias  of  office  and  conduct  him  to  his  station. 

Herald. —  (After  investing  with  regalia.)  Brother  Lec- 
turer, by  direction  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger, 
I  invest  you  with  the  regalia  of  your  high  and  im- 
portant office.  You  will  please  accompany  me  to  your 
station. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  present  at  this  station 
the  Senior  and  Junior  Woodward. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the 
Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  await  installation. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Brothers,  the  offices  to  which  you  have 
been  elected  are  important  and  responsible.  I  con- 
gratulate you  upon  being  made  the  instrument  for 
relieving  our  sick  and  suffering  brothers.  May  your 
advent  into  every  household  where  you  are  called  in 
the  line  of  duty  be  like  a  ray  of  sunshine  to  dispel  the 
gloom  and  bring  joy  to  the  unfortunate! 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  invest  you  with  the 
regalia  of  office  and  conduct  you  to  your  stations. 

Herald. — {After  investing  with  regalia.)  Brothers,  the 
pleasing  duty  devolves  upon  me  to  invest  each  of  you  with 
the  regalia  of  office.  May  the  true  principles  of  liberty 
and  unity  make  you  welcome  visitors  to  the  sick  chamber 
in  extending  benevolence  to  our  suffering  and  afflicted 
brothers !  I  shall  now  conduct  you  to  your  stations.  {Does 
so.) 

D.  G.  C.  R.— The  Herald  will  present  the  Senior 
and  Junior  Beadles. 

Herald. — ^Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  it  is 
with  pleasure  I  present  the  Senior  and  Junior  Beadles. 


81 


D.  G.  C.  R. — Brothers,  your  positions  are  responsi- 
ble, for  upon  you  depends  the  privacy  of  our  meetings. 
You  should  be  prompt  at  all  meetings  of  the  Court, 
guard  well  the  portals,  and  examine  all  who  enter. 
You  will  not  permit  any  Brother  to  depart  during  a 
session  of  the  Court  without  complying  with  the  cus- 
toms of  our  Order.  Do  you  faithfully  promise  so  to 
do? 

Beadle. — I  do. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  invest  you  with  the 
Regalia  of  your  office  and  conduct  you  to  your  stations. 

Herald. — (After  investing  with  regalia.)  Brothers,  by 
direction  of  our  Worthy  Deputy,  I  invest  you  with  the 
regalia  of  your  offices.  May  fraternal  feelings,  brotherly 
love,  and  a  cheerful  disposition  be  your  characteristics 
throughout  your  official  term!  Be  pleased  to  assume 
your  stations. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  present  the  Trustee  (or 
Trustees)  elect. 

Herald. — Worthy  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the 
Trustee   (or  the  Trustees)  elect  await  your  pleasure. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Brother  (or  Brothers),  the  office  to  which 
you  have  been  elected  is  of  importance.  It  will  be  your 
duty  from  time  to  time  to  examine  into  the  investments 
of  the  Court  and  see  that  the  securities  are  safe.  You 
will  have  general  supervision  over  the  funds  and  all  Court 
property.  Will  you  promise  to  faithfully  perform  these 
and  all  other  duties  assigned  to  you  to  the  best  of  your 
ability  ? 

Trustee. — I  do. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  invest  the  Trustee  (or 
Trustees)  with  the  regalia  of  his  (or  their)  office  and  con- 
duct him  (or  them)  to  his  (or  their)  station. 

Herald. — (After  investing  with  regalia.)  Brother 
you  are  invested  with  the  regalia  of  your  office.  Let 
your  deportment  be  such  as  to  command  respect  and 
esteem  for  yourself  which  will  influence  the  members  of 


82 


this  Court  to  hold  you  in  honorable  remembrance.  I  shall 
now  conduct  you  to  your  station. 

Herald  takes  position  in  front  of  altar. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — Permit  me  to  say  to  the  officers  of  this 
Court  that  the  obligation  you  have  taken  is  a  solemn 
promise  to  perform  your  full  duty  and  no  one  can 
expect  more.  You  are  pledged  to  Liberty,  Unity, 
Benevolence  and  Concord,  which,  if  practiced,  will 
benefit  the  Order  and  lead  to  higher  and  nobler  achieve- 
ments. We  will  now  sing  the  second  verse  of  the  installa- 
tion ode.  *  *  * 


Installation  ode. 


TuNK— Auld  Lang,Syno. 


m 


1  Come  ]et  us  swell  the  joyful  note, 
And  hail  our  cliosen  band  ; 

Who  iu  accordance  with  our  vote. 
To  night  before  us  stand - 

Our  Chief  and  Sub-Chief  Ranger  now. 
To  seats  of  bohor  move. 

To  guide  our  Order  through  the  term 

"  In  coufidence  and  love. 


2  Hail  all  our  ofScers-elect, 

Of  high  and  low  degree  ; 
Hail  each  with  due  and  kind  respeet. 

Whate'er  his  station  be. 
We  place  our  progress  in  tljeir  hands, 

And  trust  that  they  will  find 
Ua  subject  to  all  their  commands, 

AH  steadfast,  true  and  kind. 


D.  G.  C.  R. — Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  your  officers  are 
installed  and  at  their  stations.  Nothing  remains  but 
for  you  to  assume  charge  of  the  Court.  I  place  in  your 
possession  the  charter,  by  virtue  of  which  the  Court 
will  hold  its  meetings,  and  the  rituals  which  teach  our 
ceremonies.  For  their  safe  custody  you  are  responsi- 
ble. I  also  present  this  gavel,  the  symbol  of  authority 
(hands  Chief  Ranger  gavel),  with  the  firm  belief  that  the 
judgment  and  discretion  of  your  brothers  in  placing  you 
in  this  high  position  is  a  sufficient  guarantee  that  you 
will  use  it  fairly  in  governing  the  Court.  You  will 
please  assume  your  station. 


83 


Deputy  steps  to  left  and  Chief  Ranger  assumes  station. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — The  Herald  will  declare  the  ceremony 
of  installation  concluded  and  the  officers  of  this  Court 
duly  and  legally  installed. 

Herald. — (From  in  front  of  the  altar.)  By  command  of 
the  Deputy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  I  hereby  declare  the 
ceremony  of  installation  concluded,  and  the  officers  of 

Court  ,  No  , 

duly  and  legally  installed  for  the  ensuing  term,  in  con- 
formity with  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  Foresters  of 
America. 

D.  G.  C.  R. — May  peace,  prosperity  and  progress 
mark  the  career  of  this  Court  for  all  time. 


C.  R.  ★ 


Memorial  Service 

for  the 

First  Sunday  in  June 


The  ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Past  Chief  Ranger 
Financial  Secretary 
Quartette 
Necessary  Talent 


86 


Directions 

These  services  are  prepared  and  published  as  a  Memorial  to 
those  who  have  passed  away.  They  are  intended  for  either 
meeting  room  or  in  public  hall,  and  are  to  be  observed  on  the 
First  Sunday  in  June  of  each  year,  which  has  been  set  aside 
as  Memorial  Day. 

The  service  can  be  performed  by  the  regular  officers  or  a 
team  selected  to  fill  these  stations.  A  choir  of  not  less  than 
four  should  also  be  selected.  It  is  preferable  that  the  lines 
be  committed  to  memory,  which  makes  a  more  effective  rendi- 
tion and  produces  the  solemnity  required  for  the  occasion. 
The  choir  ought  to  be  chosen  with  care,  and  they  only  are  to 
do  the  singing.  The  selection  by  the  choir  (after  the  prayer)  is 
left  to  those  arranging  for  the  Memorial,  but  it  should  be  a 
selection  appropriate  for  the  occasion. 

The  words  of  the  "Vacant  Chair"  to  be  sung  by  the  choir  after 
the  "roll  call"  are  herewith  provided.  The  selection  by  the  choir 
at  the  close  of  the  ceremony  is  again  left  to  those  in  charge. 

The  title  of  the  officers  apply  to  those  selected  to  fill  the  vari- 
ous stations. 

When  the  time  arrives  for  the  services  to  be  opened  and  quiet- 
ness has  been  obserA^ed  (if  held  in  a  regular  room,  those  who 
are  to  conduct  same  will  occupy  the  station  incident  to  the  title 
of  their  office;  if  in  a  public  hall,  the  conducting  officers  will 
occupy  seats  in  a  semi-circle  on  the  stage,  as  shown  in  the  accom- 
panying diagram),  the  following  will  be  the  course  of  procedure: 


87 

Memorial  Service 


rAB££\      cC^^/TiSe        eye.  i  TABL£\     |  7>f^/^| 

X        I  ms££:\ 


C.  R. —  One  of  the  holiest  services  of  our  Order  is 
that  which  we  devote  to  the  memories  of  those  who 
have  passed  into  the  Great  Beyond.  No  selfish  thought 
or  impulse  can  enter  there.  Its  devotion  is  not  colored 
or  tainted  by  the  shadow  of  any  impure  thought,  any 
self-seeking,  any  hope  of  personal  gratification  or  re- 
ward. Pure  emotions,  free  from  any  alloy,  impel  us 
in  our  purposes  and  here  inspire  our  devotions. 

In  accordance  with  our  custom  we  withdraw  to-day, 
apart  from  the  world,  its  ambitions  and  its  strifes,  to 
offer  up  the  pure  incense  of  our  souls  upon  the  altar 
here  erected  to  the  memories  of  our  brothers  who  have 
passed  before. 

Let  us  forget,  for  a  short  space,  all  else.  Let  us 
leave  behind  every  selfish  thought.  Let  us  recall  and 
dwell  upon  the  memories  of  our  brothers  and  sanctify 
ourselves  with  noble  and  lofty  thoughts. 


88 


Thus  inspired  and  sanctified,  I  now  declare  this 
memorial  ser\4ce  to  our  deceased  brothers  opened  in 
due  form. 

As  every  great  ceremony  in  life  should  begin  with 
prayer,  our  Brother  Lecturer  (selected  for  that  purpose) 
will  now  invoke  the  blessing  of  God.  "i^  ^  ^ 

Lecturer. — Oh,  thou  Most  High  and  Holy  One, 
vouchsafe,  we  pray  Thee,  Thy  sanction,  Thy  blessing 
and  Thine  aid  to  this  our  humble  endeavor  to  honor 
the  memories  of  those  of  our  brothers  w^hose  work 
among  us  has  been  finished.  Endue  us  with  pure  hearts 
and  thoughts  so  that  when  we  gaze  into  the  glass  of 
memory  it  may  not  be  tarnished  or  dulled  b)^  the  re- 
flection of  any  selfish  or  impure  emotion.  Grant  Thy 
holy  blessing  upon  all  our  ser\'ices,  upon  our  officers 
and  brothers,  and  upon  all  who  take  part  in  them,  that 
they  may  be  acceptable  in  Thy  sight  as  a  pure  and 
sincere  offering  to  the  memory  of  our  dear  brothers 
who  have  gone  before.  Amen. 

C.  R.-  ★ 

Choir.    (Appropriate  selection.) 

C.  R. — Brother  Financial  Secretary,  you  will  now  call 
the  honored  roll  of  our  departed  brothers. 

F.  S.— (Calls  the  roll.) 

As  each  7iam£  is  called  some  Brother  zvho  has  been 
previously  selected  will  anszuer  "Absent." 


Choir.  ("Vacant  Chair/') 


89 


The  Vacant  Chair 


When  our  thanks  to  God  are  given 
For  our  dally  bread,  and  stay, 
As  around  the  table  gathered. 
Gray  hair'd  father  bids  us  pray, 
There's  the  vacant  chair  before  us. 
Of  the  boy  who  went  away. 
Mother's  hand  its  back  caressing. 
When  the  blessing's  asked  each  day. 

niorns : 

Empty  the  chair  on  mother's  right. 
That's  where  our  Tom  used  to  sit; 
Still  it  is  guarded,  kept  in  sight. 
For  Tom  was  her  favorite. 

Come  back,  my  boy,  and  take  your  place. 
There's  always  a  welcome  there; 
Many  a  sigh  'round  the  once  jolly  board, 
At  sight  of  the  vacant  chair. 

He  Is  sleeping  'neath  the  water. 
Ne'er  again  they'll  see  his  face. 
But  remembered  with  the  heroes. 
Who  gain'd  glory  for  our  race; 
Now  the  cruel  war  Is  over. 
Past  the  fierce  and  raging  fray. 
And  a  mother  fond  Is  grieving. 
For  the  boy  who  went  away. 


90 


C.  R. — Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  will  you  explain 
the  character  and  purpose  of  this  memorial  service? 

P.  C.  R. — We  meet  to  remember,  not  to  mourn.  We 
hold  a  memorial  service,  not  a  Lodge  of  Sorrow.  It  is 
no  occasion  for  grief  when  a  brother  has  completed  his 
work  with  credit  and  honor.  We  deplore  the  loss  of 
his  comradship  and  his  aid;  we  miss  his  smile  and  his 
hearty  friendly  grasp,  the  inspiration  and  the  joy  of 
his  companionship ;  but  we  may  not  selfishly  wish  to 
weigh  these  personal  pleasures  against  his  completed 
career;  against  the  crowning  of  the  column  of  his 
work  among  us  by  the  beautiful  capital  of  honor, 
against  the  benediction  which  awaits  him,  "Well  done, 
thou  good  and  faithful  servant." 

Therefore,  we  devote  this  service  and  these  sacred 
hours  to  communion  with  our  departed  brothers;  to 
honoring  their  memories  and  keeping  them  bright  and 
pure. 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  what  duties  do 
these  services  recall. 

S.  C.  R. — While  we  recall  our  honored  dead,  we  may 
not  forget  our  duties  to  the  living.  To  our  Order 
we  owe  loyalty  and  love.  To  our  comrades  we  owe 
fidelity  and  honor,  friendly  aid  and  good  cheer.  To 
those  who  may  be  dependent  upon  our  bounty  we  owe 
kindness,  charity,  and  the  sympathetic  as  well  as  the 
helping  hand. 

C.  R. —  iir  it      My  brothers,  are  we  all  of  one  accord 

in  these  services? 

All. — We  are  all  of  one  accord. 

C.  R. — Being,  then,  all  of  one  accord  and  our  hearts 

purified  of  every  sordid  and  selfish  thought  and  desire, 
we  now  devote  these  services  under  the  gracious  bless- 
ing of  Heaven  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  brothers.  ^ 

Here  the  speaker  is  invited  to  deliver  an  address  or 
eulogy  and  the  rest  of  the  program  arranged  (which  can 
consist  of  appropriate  music,  singing,  recitations,  etc.)  is 
carried  out. 


91 


Closing 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  in  these  services, 
has  all  been  done  with  honor  and  with  love? 

S.  C.  R. — All  our  services  have  been  so  marked  and 
blessed. 

C.  R. — Brother  Financial  Secretary,  has  the  roll  of 
our  dead  been  once  more  inscribed  upon  our  hearts? 

F.  S. — All  their  names  are  once  more  faithfully  in- 
scribed upon  our  hearts  and  memories. 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  have  the  objects  of  this  ser- 
vice been  by  us  in  all  things  faithfully  borne  in  mind? 

Lecturer. — By  the  blessing  of  Heaven  they  have. 
For  a  short  space  we  have  dwelt  in  communion  with 
the  memories  of  our  departed  brothers  and  have  en- 
joyed the  holiest  and  happiest  thoughts. 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  before  we  close  these  ser- 
vices and  depart,  will  you  invoke  the  benediction  of  the 
Most  High  upon  us  and  upon  our  humble  endeavors 
thus  to  honor  the  memory  of  our  departed  brothers? 

*  ★  * 

Lecturer. — Most  High  and  Holy  One,  look  down,  we 
humbly  pray,  and  bless  this,  our  labor  of  love.  Grant 
that  all  which  has  been  said  and  done  and  thought  of 
here  may  meet  with  Thy  gracious  benediction,  and 
as  we  go  forth,  may  we  carry  with  us  into  life  and 
action  and  all  our  duties  and  responsibilities  Thy  high- 
est and  most  holy  blessings. 

C.  R. — Blessed,  we  trust,  by  the  Supreme  Chief 
Ranger  of  the  Universe;  purified,  we  are  sure,  by  the 
unselfish  moments  which  we  have  spent  here :  let  us 
go  forth,  cherishing  the  beloved  memories  of  our  departed 
brothers,  and  with  renewed  charity  and  affection  for  those 
who  remain  and  may  God  be  with  us  till  we  meet  again.  ^ 

Choir.    (Appropriate  selection.) 


Funeral  Service 


(At  the  house) 


Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 
Quartette 


94 

I 

Services 

Each  member  will  wear  "vs-hite  gloves  and  the  official  mourning 
badge. 

Permission  must  be  obtained  from  the  relatives  of  the  deceased 
before  funeral  cennom*  is  held.  Officers  vrill  take  positions  as 
shown  on  diagram,  -  with  Chief  Ranger  at  head  of  coffin. 


C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  why  are  we  as- 
sembled on  this  occasion? 

S.  C.  R. — To  pay  the  last  sad  rites  to  the  memory 

of  Brother   ,  whose 

journey  with  us  has  ended  and  who  has  been  called 
to  swell  the  countless  ranks  of  the  "Great  Unknown." 

C.  R. — While  we  mourn  the  loss  of  our  Brother,  may 
we  be  reminded  that  we,  too,  are  mortal,  and.  that  ere 
long  we  also  will  be  called  upon  to  answer  the  last 
summons ;  for,  in  the  departure  of  him  who  now  lies 
at  rest,  we  but  behold  another  evidence  of  the  pre- 
carious tenure  of  worldly  enjo3'ments  and  the  transi- 
tor)^  existence  of  all  earthly  happiness.  Our  life — like 
the  shadow  of  a  cloud — hath  no  stay.  Generation 
succeeds  generation.  After  those  who  have  died  within 
this  hour  shall  go  all  men,  as  multitudes  without  num- 
ber have  gone  before  them.  The  ceasing  of  our  mortal 
existence  is  of  momentous  interest  and  of  infinite 
solemnit}' — the  close  of  all  earthly  affairs  ,the  end  of  all 


95 


human  pursuits,  hopes,  and  aims.  For,  upon  the  hour 
of  death  hang  the  issues  of  eternity. 

Quartette. — (Appropriate  selection.) 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  what  lesson  do  we  seek  to 
convey  by  this  service? 

Lecturer. — While  the  tear  of  sympathy  manifests  our 
grief  for  the  loss  of  our  brother,  let  the  exercise  of 
charity  be  evident  in  appreciating  his  merit.  No 
human  character,  however  exalted,  is  free  from  blem- 
ishes and  none  so  depraved  as  to  be  destitute  of  every 
virtue.  While  the  invidious  look  with  a  malignant  eye 
on  the  failings  of  others  and  with  rancorous  breath 
blast  the  fairy  blossoms  of  humanity,  let  us  act  a  truly 
fraternal  part  in  throwing  a  veil  over  the  foibles  of 
the  deceased  and  not  withhold  from  our  memory  the 
encomiums  which  his  virtues  justly  demand.  Let  us 
endeavor  to  imitate  what  was  laudable  in  his  character 
and  from  his  weakness  derive  those  lessons  of  instruc- 
tion and  caution  which  we  all  so  essentially  require. 

C.  R. — In  the  period  of  dissolution,  when  the  din  and 
allurements  of  this  busy  world  and  the  manifold  con- 
cerns of  mortal  life  are  banished  from  the  heart  and 
mind,  and  the  soul  stands  face  to  face  with  eternal 
realities,  then  the  true  character  of  man  becomes 
manifest.  May  the  present  example  of  mortality  incite 
us  to  a  deep  consideration  of  our  own  approaching 
death,  and  animate  us  to  a  due  preparation  for  it; 
and  may  we  so  conduct  ourselves  upon  all  occasions 
that  we  shall  adorn  our  profession  by  a  life  and  ex- 
ample becoming  our  solemn  obligation  and  our  hon- 
orable institution;  and  let  us  implore  the  Divine 
benediction  to  assist  and  enable  us  to  discharge  every 
personal,  relative,  and  social  duty,  so  that  we  may 
secure  the  good  will  of  our  fellow  men  and  the 
approbation  of  the  Divine  Ruler  of  the  Universe. 
Thus  pursuing  our  journey  through  the  "Forests  of 
this  life,"  we  shall  meet  at  last  the  "Invincible  Con- 
queror," not  with  fearful  apprehension,  but  with  calm 
repose  and  contentment,  exclaiming  in  the  language  of 


96 


inspiration,  "O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory?" 

S.  C.  R. — To  the  relatives  and  immediate  friends  of 
our  departed  Brother,  v/ho  are  most  heart-stricken  at 
the  loss  w^e  have  sustained,  we  tender  our  heartfelt 
sympathy,  and  would  join  with  them  in  seeking  com- 
fort from  Him  who  alone  can  give  comfort  in  the  hour 
of  sorrow,  our  Infinite  Father,  loving  and  merciful. 

(A  eulogy  by  someone  selected  for  that  purpose  niay  be  de- 
livered.) 

Lecturer. — The  world  teems  with  vicissitudes  and 
the  various  monuments  of  the  morality  which  we  so 
frequently  behold  convince  us  that  death  has  estab- 
lished his  empire  over  all  the  works  of  nature;  yet, 
through  the  blandishments  of  worldly  pleasures  and 
pursuits,  we  heedlessly  march  on  amidst  dangers  and 
disasters,  unmindful  of  our  end  as  if  we  conceived  all 
men  mortal  but  ourselves.  So  strange  is  our  infatua- 
tion that,  when  the  design  is  accomplished  which  we 
conceive  to  be  the  summit  of  felicity,  we  eagerly  en- 
gage in  another  pursuit  whose  prospect  of  realization 
so  dazzles  our  weak  organs  that  we  forget  we  are 
treading  the  margin  of  the  grave. 

Quartette. —  (Appropriate  selection.) 

C.  R. — Write  him  as  "One  who  loved  his  fellow 
men. 

All. — Amen. 


Funeral  Service 

(At  the  grave) 


Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 
Quartette 


98 


Services 

On  arriving  at  the  place  of  interment,  the  Brothers  will  forai 
parallel  lines,  the  Chief  Ranger  at  head  of  grave,  Sub-Chief 
Ranger  at  foot;  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  right  center;  Lec- 
turer, left  center;  other  officers  and  members  at  either  side;  the 
family  and  other  mourners  at  the  foot  of  the  grave.  Each 
member  of  the  Order  will  wear  a  sprig  of  evergreen,  white 
gloves  and  official  mourning  badge.  When  the  coffin  has  been 
deposited  in  the  grave,  the  Chief  Ranger  will  proceed  as  follows: 


c.ye. 


C.  R. — Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  you  will  proceed 
with  the  opening. 

P.  C.  R. — Brothers,  here  by  the  silent  dust  and  the 
open  grave,  we  are  again  called  upon  to  affirm  our 
faith  in  the  Almighty,  and  to  manifest  our  loyalty  to 
one  who  was  a  Brother  amongst  us,  but  now  is  called 
away  to  that  bourne  from  whence  no  traveler  returns; 
who  has  been  summoned  to  that  gathering  whose 
numbers  are  countless  as  the  sands  of  the  sea,  and 
as  vast  as  the  leaves  in  the  forest.  The  mighty  and  the 
weak  are  there;  they  heed  not  the  voice  of  the  op- 
pressor; there,  neither  pain  nor  sickness  ever  enters; 
there,  the  weary  are  at  rest.  The  Almighty  decree 
/  has  gone  forth:  ''Dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt 
thou  return !"  What  a  solemn  commentary  is  thus 
presented  of  the  instability  of  every  human  pursuit; 
the  uncertainty  of  mortal   life  and  the  certainty  ol 


99 


death.  It  is  but  a  span,  a  heart-beat,  a  breath,  that 
separates  the  cradle  from  the  grave.  And  it  is  truly 
written :  ''In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death." 

Quartette. —  {Appropriate  selection. ) 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  what  is  our  pur- 
pose in  this  ceremony? 

S.  C.  R. — The  last  offices  that  we  pay  to  the  dead 

are  useless  except  as  they  contribute  lessons  to  the 
living.  The  cold,  silent  form  enclosed  in  the  narrow 
house  before  us  is  alike  insensible  to  our  sorrows  and 
our  ceremonies.  It  matters  not  now  to  him  whether 
two  or  three  have  gathered  around  the  grave  to  per- 
form these  funeral  rites,  or  that  hundreds  have  assem- 
bled to  give  his  body  a  final  resting  place.  It  is  of 
little  moment  where  or  in  what  manner  his  obsequies 
are  performed;  whether  it  be  on  the  lone  hillside,  with 
the  cold  winds  chanting  his  requiem,  or  whether  it  be 
at  the  costly  tomb,  accompanied  with  rare  music  and 
the  songs  of  many  voices.  His  spirit  has  gone  to 
accomplish  the  destiny  of  all  our  race;  while  his  body, 
in  the  slumber  of  the  grave,  will  be  resolved  into  its 
original  elements — earth  to  earth  and  dust  to  dust. 

All. — Amen. 

Lecturer. — As  it  has  pleased  our  wise  Creator  to 
remove  our  worthy  brother  from  the  cares  and  anx- 
ieties of  this  transitory  state  of  existence,  to  an  eternal 
and  unchangeable  one,  weakening  the  chain  by  which 
we  are  linked  one  to  another,  may  this  example  of  the 
uncertain  tenure  of  human  life  regulate  our  conduct  by 
the  dictates  of  unerring  wisdom  so  that  we  may  enjoy 
that  placid  tranquility  which  flows  from  all  unsullied 
conscience. 

(Eulogy  by  some  one  selected  may  he  delivered  here.) 

C.  R. — In  conformity  with  our  usage  and  with  good- 
will to  all  mankind,  we  are  here,  in  the  character  of 
Foresters  of  America,  to  offer  this  last  tribute  of 
fraternal  affection  to  our  departed  Brother,  thereby 
manifesting  our  sincerity  and  attesting  our  attachment 
to  the  teachings  and  principles  of  our  honorable  Order. 


100 


We  now  consign  our  beloved  Brother  to  the  grave; 
and,  in  his  sleep  of  death,  leave  him  freed  from  all 
worldly  care  and  anxieties,  while  we  close  our  final 
tribute  of  affection  and  duty  by  commending  his  spirit 
to  the  mercy  of  Almighty  God. 

(Chief  Ranger  will  now  pause  sufficiently  to  prepare  in  hand 
an  evergreen,  all  the  members  doing  likewise  and  repeating  after 
him:) 

All. — (Dropping  evergreen  on  coffin.)  With  the  ever- 
green, which  is  emblematic  of  our  Order,  we  cover 
thee. 

Quartette. — {Appropriate  selection. ) 

C.  R. — Death  levels  all  ranks  and  lays  the  lowly 
shepherd's  crook  beside  the  kingly  sceptre. 

All. — Amen. 


Services  at  the  Grave 


(On  Memorial  Day  or  Decoration  Day) 


Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 

Sub-Chief  Ranger 

Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger 

Lecturer 

Senior  Woodward 
Junior  Woodward 
Quartette 


102 


Services 

On  arriving  at  the  grave,  the  brothers  will  form  parallel  lines; 
the  Chief  Ranger  at  the  head,  w^ith  the  Senior  Woodward  on  his 
right;  Sub-Chief  Ranger  at  the  foot;  Junior  Woodward  on  his 
right;  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  right  center;  l^ecturer,  left  cen- 
ter. If  members  of  the  family  are  present,  they  will  be  placed  at 
the  foot  of  the  grave.  Members  of  the  Order  will  wear  a  sprig 
of  evergreen,  white  gloves  and  official  mourning  badges. 


C.  R. — In  conformity  with  ancient  custom,  we  are 
assembled  on  this  occasion  to  offer  a  tribute  of  frater- 
nal affection  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  brother 
who  lies  at  rest  in  the  grave  at  our  feet.  With  due 
respect  to  the  established  customs  of  the  country,  and 
with  good  will  to  all  mankind,  we  here  appear  in 
the  character  of  Foresters  to  humbly  implore  the  bene- 
diction of  heaven  on  all  our  zealous  efforts  and  ardently 
pray  for  our  steady  perseverance  in  the  discharge  of 
every  duty,  personal  and  social.  The  principle  of 
Sympathy  is  one  of  the  foundation  stones  of  our  Order. 
Upon  Sympathy,  as  upon  a  rock,  the  edifice  is  built.  To 
Sympathy,  our  temple  is  dedicated;  and,  from  the  votive 
altar  of  that  temple,  the  continual  practice  of  this  God-like 
quality  is  unceasingly  inculcated.  Our  hearts  to-day  are 
imbued  with  sympathy,  kindness,  devotion  and  fond  recol- 
lections, and  with  these  attributes  as  paramount  elements,, 
the  Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  will  proceed  to  deco- 
rate the  grave. 


103 


This  may  be  done  by  planting  or  placing  flowers  on  the  grave 
or  by  the  placing  of  a  grave  marker.  Whe^\  the  Woodwards 
finish,  they  return  to  their  position  as  shown  on  the  diagram. 

Quartette. — (Appropriate  selection. ) 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — What,  alas !  are  all  the  pageantry  and 
appendages  of  majesty,  wealth,  power  or  beauty  when 
nature  demands  her  just  debt?  Behold  a  man  of  the 
greatest  power,  whose  frown  made  the  world  tremble! 
Attended  by  a  host  of  faithful  guards,  and  waited  on 
by  a  troop  whose  greatest  pride  is  to  administer  to  his 
pleasure — no  one  is  admitted  into  his  presence  but 
with  the  strictest  caution!  Grim  death,  however,  the 
most  unwelcome  of  attendants,  passes  the  guards 
without  ceremony,  enters  his  presence  without  formality, 
and  boldly  demands  that  of  which  he  is  most  tenacious, 
and  insists  upon  compliance !  Not  all  the  legions  which 
were  at  his  beck  to  unsheath  the  sabre  at  his  command 
can  rescue  him  from  the  King  of  Terrors.  He  resigns  his 
crown,  his  sceptre,  and  all  the  insignia  of  royalty,  and  the 
"place  that  knew  him  shall  know  him  no  more."  Let  us 
pause  for  a  moment — cast  our  eyes  on  the  last  scene — 
view  life  stripped  of  its  ornaments — exposed  in  its  natu- 
ral state — and  we  shall  then  be  convinced  of  the 
futility  of  these  empty  delusions.  In  the  grave  all 
fallacies  are  detected,  all  ranks  leveled,  and  all  distinc- 
tions swept  away. 

S.  C.  R. — As,  therefore,  life  is  precarious,  and  all 
worldly  pursuits  empty  and  vain,  let  us  no  longer 
procrastinate  the  important  concern  of  preparing  for 
an  eternal  and  unchangeable  state — let  us  embrace  the 
happy  moment,  while  life  and  opportunity  ofifer,  in 
providing  with  care  and  diligence  for  the  great  change 
when  the  transitory  pleasures  of  this  vain  and  empty 
world  can  no  longer  yield  us  enjoyment,  and  nothing 
but  the  reflection  of  a  life  spent  in  the  exercise  of 
piety  and  virtue  can  afford  us  comfort  and  consolation. 

{Eulogy  by  some  one  selected  may  be  delivered  here.) 

Lecturer. — As  we  close  these  services,  let  us  resolve 
to  conduct  ourselves  with  propriety  upon  all  occasions 
and  thus  adorn  our  profession  by  a  life  becoming  our 
solemn  engagements  and  honorable  institution.     Let  us 


104 


implore  Divine  Benediction  to  enable  us  to,  at  all  times, 
perform  our  duty;  and,  as  we  leave  these  sacred  grounds 
and  pursue  our  journey  through  life,  may  we  derive  in- 
structions from  the  awful  solemnity  of  this  occasion  and 
be  prepared  for  the  momentous  change  which  awaits  us. 

Quartette. — (Appropriate  selection. ) 

(At  the  close  of  the  selection,  every  member  will  have  in  his 
hand  a  piece  of  evergreen  and  he  prepared  to  ccrop  same  on  the 
grave.) 

All. —  {Dropping  evergreen  on  the  grave.)  With  the 
evergreen  w^hich  is  emblematic  of  our  Order,  we  cover 
this  grave. 

C.  R.— Death  levels  all  ranks  and  lays  the  lowly 
shepherd's  crook  beside  the  kingly  sceptre. 

All. — Amen. 


Flag  Day  Ceremony 


(June  14th) 

If  conducted  in  meeting  room,  the  officers  will  occupy  their 
respective  stations.  If  in  a  hall  or  place  other  than  a  meeting 
room,  the  officers  will  occupy  seats  in  semi-circle  on  the  stage 
as  shown  by  accompanying  diagram. 

The  ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Necessary  talent 

The  meeting  place  should  be  properly  decorated  and  none  but 
the  American  flag  and  colors  used.  A  large  flag  should  be  placed 
over  the  tables  occupied  by  the  officers.  United  States  regulation 
flag  on  staff,  supported  by  stand,  should  be  prominently  displayed 
on  front  of  stage,  or  on  the  floor  to  the  left  of  Chief  Ranger's 
station,  if  ceremony  is  held  in  regular  hall. 


106 


Ceremony 


X 


C.  R.  ^  As  members  of  a  truly  American  fra- 
ternity I  extend  most  cordial  greetings  and  ask  you 
to  join  with  us  in  the  spirit  of  this  occasion.  We  meet 
in  celebration  of  "Flag  Day"  to  renew  our  vows  of 
patriotism  and  to  again  pledge  loyalty  and  devo- 
tion to  our  country.  Unexpected  events  may  retard  or 
advance  the  nation's  growth  but  the  sincerity  of  bodies 
such  as  this  determines  its  destiny.  Under  a  broad 
policy  these  United  States  have  grown  in  numbers  and 
in  strength.  On  each  Fourth  of  July,  our  people  meet 
to  celebrate  the  signing  of  the  "Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence" ;  in  their  hearts  they  renew  their  vows  to 
free  institutions,  and  their  voices  continue  to  praise 
the  forefathers  whose  wisdom,  courage  and  patriotism 
made  it  possible  for  each  succeeding  generation  to 
repeat  the  words : 


With  the  establishment  of  this  Republic  came  a  noble 
flag  and  it  must  have  been  foreordained  that  our  flag 
should  lead  all  others  in  the  flight  of  the  centuries.  It 
was  the  first  flag  that  was  born  to  represent  a  people 
rather  than  a  monarch;  the  flag  that  has  never  known 


My  country,  'tis  of  thee, 
Sweet  land  of  Liberty, 
Of  thee  I  sing." 


107 


a  surrender;  the  flag  that  is  destined  to  win  the  world 
from  wrong  and  to  banish  unholy  strife.  It  gleams 
from  housetop  and  hilltop,  from  schoolhouse  and  work- 
shop ;  from  tower  and  steeple ;  from  mainmast  and 
mizzen;  appealing  to  every  noble  emotion;  shielding 
every  worthy  cause;  lighting  the  way  of  progress 
across  a  mighty  continent;  and  spanning  the  world 
with  a  girdle  of  civilization.  We  dedicate  these  ser- 
vices to  the  honor  and  glory  of  our  flag  and  will  begin 
the  ceremony  by  singing  the  "Star  Spangled  Ban- 
ner." *  *  * 


1 T  ' 

Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn''s  early  lig-ht, 
What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming. 
Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro'  the  perilous  fight. 
O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch' d,  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 
Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 


C.  R. —  lAr  Brother  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger,  you 
will  oblige  by  giving  us  a  history  of  our  flag. 


108 


Jr.  P.  C.  R. — The  history  of  the  American  flag  began 
with  the  landing  of  the  Mayflower  in  1620.  The  first 
colonial  flag  was  known  as  the  "King's  Colors,"  com- 
bining the  red  and  white  crosses  of  England  and 
Scotland  upon  an  inner  field  of  blue. 

During  the  memorable  struggle  of  the  colonists  to 
establish  themselves,  various  attempts  were  made  to 
evolve  a  general  flag  emblematic  of  their  cause,  but 
nothing  definite  resulted.  The  animating  sentiment  of 
the  fathers  of  the  republic  was  that  of  freedom,  and 
in  support  thereof,  the  word  "Liberty"  was  emblazoned 
upon  many  of  the  flags  employed  in  those  early  days. 

So  great  was  the  prejudice  against  England  and  the 
trappings  of  royalty  that  the  use  of  the  "King's 
Colors"  became  intermittent,  and  was  finally  discon- 
tinued. Similar  prejudice  developed  against  the  crim- 
son banner  subsequently  adopted  by  the  Mother 
Country  and  known  as  the  "Cromwell  Flag."  In  the 
year  1707  the  colonists  selected  a  red  flag  as  their 
ensign,  bearing  in  the  upper  corner  the  green  symbol 
of  a  pine  tree  on  a  white  field.  This  banner  was  in 
popular  favor  for  many  years,  and  is  thought  to  have 
been  the  one  carried  by  the  Americans  in  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill. 

In  1775  a  flag  was  designed  for  the  Continental  army 
and  navy,  showing  thirteen  alternate  stripes  of  red 
and  white,  corresponding  to  the  number  of  the  colonies, 
with  an  azure  field  in  the  upper  corner  bearing  the 
red  cross  of  St.  George  and  the  white  of  St.  Andrew. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  the  flag  of  stars  and  stripes. 
In  this  form  it  was  hoisted  by  General  George  Wash- 
ington over  his  headquarters  at  Cambridge,  Massa- 
chusetts, January  1,  1776.  The  same  pattern  of  flag  was 
raised  by  Lieutenant  John  Paul  Jones  on  his  vessel, 
the  "Alfred,"  its  first  use  on  a  man-of-war. 

The  right  of  freedom  was  proclaimed  by  the  colon- 
ists on  July  2,  1776,  and,  two  days  later,  on  July  4th, 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  adopted.  In  re- 
sponse to  the  demand  for  a  banner  more  representative 
of  the  aims  and  ideals  of  the  new  country,  on  July  14, 
1777,  Congress  declared  the  national  flag  to  be  thirteen 


109 


Stripes,  seven  red  and  six  white,  with  thirteen  stars  in 
a  circle  on  a  blue  field. 

According  to  most  authorities,  the  first  flag  of  this 
description  was  made  by  Betsy  Ross  at  her  home, 
No.  239  Arch  Street,  Philadelphia,  a  building  still 
preserved  and  pointed  out  as  the  birthplace  of  our 
national  emblem.  George  Washington,  acting  as  com- 
mitteeman, submitted  the  design  of  the  flag  to  Betsy 
Ross,  and  it  was  upon  her  suggestion  that  the  stars 
were  made  of  five  points,  as  in  France,  instead  of  six 
points,  as  in  England.  In  1795,  after  Vermont  and 
Kentucky  had  been  admitted  into  the  Union,  two 
stripes  and  two  stars  were  added  to  the  flag.  The  war 
of  1812  was  fought  under  such  a  flag,  and  it  remained 
in  this  form  until  July  4,  1818,  when  the  stripes  were 
reduced  to  the  original  thirteen,  and  the  stars  increased 
to  one  for  each  State. 

These  changes  also  brought  about  a  re-arrangement 
of  the  stars  from  the  circular  to  the  present  group 
formation.  For  a  time,  the  constellation  was  depicted 
as  one  large  star,  thus  suggesting  the  motto,  "e  pluri- 
bus  unum" — one  formed  of  many.  The  red,  white  and 
blue  colors  in  the  flag  were  inherited  from  England 
and  Scotland,  and  the  stripes  from  Holland.  The  com- 
bination of  stripes,  colors  and  stars,  was  an  American 
idea.  The  red  in  the  flag  has  been  interpreted  to  mean 
defiance  to  all  forms  of  tyranny  and  oppression;  the 
white  is  indicative  of  purity  and  charity;  while  the 
blue  represents  justice  and  fidelity.  In  the  American 
navy,  a  special  flag  is  displayed  during  the  Sunday 
religious  service — a  square  pennant  of  white,  charged 
with  a  blue  cross  emblematic  of  faith;  and  this  is  the 
only  flag  that  is  permitted  to  fly  above  the  stars  and 
stripes  within  the  proper  jurisdiction  of  the  American 
government. 

In  its  present  form,  thirteen  colonial  stripes  and  one 
star  for  each  State,  the  flag  represent?  the  American 
nation  as  it  was  at  its  birth,  as  it  is  at  the  present  time, 
and  betokens  what  it  may  be  in  the  future  when  other 
stars  have  joined  the  constellation. 


110 


{The  arranged  program  of  entertainment,  which  can  con- 
sist of  appropriate  music,  singing,  recitations,  speech- 
making,  etc.,  can  be  carried  out.) 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  what  do  we  seek  to  convey 
by  these  ceremonies? 

Lecturer. — To  inspire  the  present  and  the  coming 
generations  with  love  for  our  flag  which  is  interwoven 
with  the  dearest  memories  of  our  lives  and  which 
colors  all  our  friendships  with  the  lasting  blue  of  true 
fidelity. 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  have  you  observed 
any  omissions  in  our  ceremonies? 

S.  C.  R. — No,  Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  our  ceremony 
has  been  regulated  by  patriotism  and  by  all  the  require- 
ments of  the  occasion.  I  sincerely  thank  our  friends 
and  brothers  for  honoring  us  with  their  presence.  I 
hope  they  have  looked  with  favor  upon  our  efforts  and 
I  trust  they  will  seriously  consider  the  lofty  purposes 
of  our  Order. 

C.  R. — As  we  leave  here  let  us  remember  that  our 
flag  was  the  flag  of  George  Washington  and  Thomas 
Jefferson,  of  John  Adams,  Benjamin  Franklin  and  Patrick 
Henry :  the  flag  of  Betsy  Ross,  whose  hands  first  fashioned 
it  into  a  robe  of  glory.  The  flag  that  cast  its  protecting 
shadow,  "Where  rolls  the  Oregon";  that  blossomed  and 
flamed  in  the  snows  of  Alaska  and  anchored  upon  the  isl- 
and of  Hawaii.  The  same  flag  that  romped  with  freedom 
in  the  bays  of  Manila  and  Santiago,  and  was  planted 
in  righteous  defense  upon  the  walls  of  China.  It  be- 
came the  chief  geographer  of  the  world,  the  chief 
pilot  of  the  seas,  the  chief  trail-maker  of  the  forest, 
the  valley  and  the  plain.  We  salute  our  noble  flag 
{officers  and  members  bring  hand  to  forehead  in  military 
salute  looking  straight  at  flag  displayed  on  stage  or  at  the 
head  of  the  meeting  room)  ^  ^  ^  and  again  pledge 
allegiance  to  the  principles  for  which  it  stands.  We  will 
conclude  by  singing,  "Columbia,  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean." 


Ill 

Cplumbia,The  Gem  of  the  Ocean 


Oh,  Columbia,  the  grem  of  the  ocean, 
The  home  of  the  brave  and  the  free. 
The  shrine  of  each  patriot's  devotion, 
A  world  offers  homage  to  thee, 
Thy  mandates  make  heroes  assemble, 
When  Liberty's  form  stands  in  view; 
Thy  banners  make  tyranny  tremble. 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue. 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue. 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue. 
Thy  banners  make  tyranny  tremble, 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue. 


C  R. —  I  thank  you  for  your  attendance  and  de- 
clare the  ceremony  closed. 


CEREMONY  FOR  CELEBRATING 

FORESTERS'  DAY 

(August  15) 


If  conducted  in  meeting  room,  the  officers  will  occupy  their 
respective  stations.  If  in  a  hall  or  place  other  than  a  meeting 
room,  the  officers  will  occupy  seats  in  a  semi-circle  on  the  stage 
as  shown  by  accompanying  diagram. 

Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Jr.  Past  Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Necessary  Talent 


114 


CEREMONY 


X 


C.  R. —  ^  It  is  scarcely  possible  for  a  man  to  be  a 
member  of  such  an  Order  as  ours  without  deriving  for 
himself  individual  advantages ;  advantages  not  merely 
of  a  pecuniary  kind  but  of  a  moral  and  intellectual  na- 
ture: to  cultivate  the  best  and  most  kindly  sympathies 
of  our  nature ;  to  inculcate  brotherly  love  and  render  it 
a  rule  of  life ;  to  foster  feelings  of  compassion  for  all 
suffering  from  affliction  and  distress ;  and  to  develop 
the  heaven-born  principle  of  charity  in  all  the  relation- 
ships of  life,  are  some  of  our  objects  which  must  surely 
be  accordant  with  and  promotive  of  the  highest  moral- 
ity. The  lessons  of  mutual  regard  and  of  social  aid 
which  contact  with  our  brotherhood  enlighten  and  ben- 
efit society.  Geniality  and  kindness  in  the  Court-room 
do  not  degenerate  into  brutality  at  home;  and  the  na- 
ture which  is  formed  by  association  and  precept  to  sym- 
pathize with  suffering  and  distress  can  never  take  de- 
light in  or  become  the  cause  of  pain  and  anguish.  In 
the  work  of  humanity,  our  Order  is  foremost,  and  we 
honor  its  imperishable  principles.  To-day  is  important 
to  us  because  it  marks  the  anniversary  of  our  existence 
as  Foresters  of  America.  We  will  open  our  ceremony 
by  singing,  "Columbia,  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean,"  and  I 
request  that  you  stand  while  we  sing.      ^  ^ 


115 


ColumbiaJhe  Gem  of  the  Ocean 


Oh,  Columbia,  the  gem  of  the  ocean. 
The  home  of  the  brave  and  the  free, 
The  shrine  of  each  patriot's  devotion, 
A  world  offers  homage  to  thee, 
Thy  mandates  make  heroes  assemble. 
When  Liberty's  form  stands  in  view; 
Thy  banner's  make  tyranny  tremble. 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue, 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue, 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue, 
Thy  banners  make  tyranny  tremble, 
When  borne  by  the  red,  white  and  blue. 

C.  R. —  ^  Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  what  is  the 
object  of  this  ceremony? 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — We  seek  on  this  occasion  to  do  our 
Order  justice,  and  acquire  a  knowledge  of  its  history 
and  the  noble  purposes  for  which  it  was  instituted. 

C.  R. — You  will  proceed  with  your  address. 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — Tradition  tells  us  that  our  Order  origin- 
ally instituted  in  England,  was  in  existence  when  the 
Crusaders  crowded  upon  Palestine  and  when  the  wan- 


116 


dering  minstrel  sang  of  Robin  Hood  and  his  merry 
men.  The  exact  date  of  its  formation  will  forever  re- 
main in  obscurity;  but,  with  apparent  fairness,  its 
origin  may  be  said  to  date  from  the  Norman  Conquest 
of  England  or  in  the  year  1066.  The  ancient  Foresters 
practiced  benevolence  and  taught  unity,  concord  and 
constancy,  and  they  were  always  steadfast  and  faith- 
ful. They  fed  the  flaming  spirit  of  "Liberty"  until  it 
burned  into  the  breasts  of  the  people.  They  stood 
against  the  arbitrary  rule  of  the  age  and  for  the  glori- 
ous "Magna  Carta,"  which  made  the  English  race  free- 
men. Nearly  a  thousand  years  have  passed  since  the 
Foresters  banded  themselves  together  in  Sherwood 
Forest  to  defend  their  liberties  and  to  resist  the  in- 
vader. The  virtues  of  their  manhood  have  withstood 
the  assaults  of  time  and  stand  forth  to-day  radiant  and 
immortal.  Descended  to  and  embodied  in  the  For- 
esters of  America,  they  shine  a  galaxy  of  truths  point- 
ing to  a  better  and  nobler  life. 

The  authentic  history  of  the  Order  begins  with  the 
institution  of  Court  No.  1,  in  Leeds,  England,  1790,  the 
records  of  which  are  still  in  existence.  It  was  a  seri- 
ous thing  to  become  a  Forester  at  that  time.  The 
Government  was  not  in  accord  with  secret  societies  and 
laid  heavy  hands  upon  them.  The  "Correspondence 
Societies  Act"  declared  that  every  society  of  which  the 
members  should  take  an  oath  or  engagement  or  sub- 
scribe to  any  test  or  declaration  not  required  or  auth- 
orized by  law,  and  every  society  that  had  branches  act- 
ing separately  from  each  other,  should  be  deemed  un- 
lawful combinations.  The  "Seditions  Meeting  Act"  de- 
clared that  certain  meetings  of  more  than  fifty  persons 
were  unlawful  if  held  without  notice,  and  very  severe 
penalties  could  be  imposed.  Thus  you  will  observe  the 
early  Foresters  were  restricted  almost  to  discourage- 
ment and  it  is  a  wonder  that  the  Order  survived  the 
vigorous  hand  of  the  authorities. 

The  history  of  Forestry  in  the  United  States,  which 
might  be  termed  its  colonial  period,  begins  with  the 
establishment  of  a  Court  in  Philadelphia  in  the  year 
1832.  Another  Court  was  opened  in  Brooklyn  in  1841; 
in  1843,  Forestry  was  started  in  New  York  City;  and 


117 


in  Boston,  1847.  Up  to  December  29,  1874,  the  Order 
was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  High  Court  of  Eng- 
land, on  which  date,  the  United  States  Subsidiary  High 
Court  was  organized  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  There  were, 
at  that  time,  in  this  country,  forty-three  Courts  and  two 
thousand  three  hundred  members. 

The  53d  convention  of  the  High  Court  of  England, 
held  in  Glasgow,  Scotland,  which  opened  August  1, 
1887,  enacted  the  following  law: 

"That  no  general  law  or  rule  shall  be  enacted  by 
any  Subsidiary  High  Court  or  District  or  Court 
thereof,  to  prevent  the  admittance  of  any  man  to 
membership  on  account  of  his  color,  creed  or 
nationality,  and  that  any  existing  general  law  or 
rule  of  a  Subsidiary  High  Court  or  District  or 
Court  thereof,  which  prohibits  persons  from  be- 
coming members  of  the  Order  on  account  of  their 
color,  creed  or  nationality,  is  hereby  deemed  in- 
valid." 

This  denied  the  right  to  continue  the  word  "white" 
in  the  constitution  as  a  qualification  for  membership 
and  was  cabled  to  the  Twelfth  Session  of  the  Sub- 
sidiary High  Court  of  the  United  States  held  in  Chi- 
cago, 111.,  which  opened  August  9,  1887,  and  was  a  com- 
plete nullification  of  the  resolution  adopted  at  the  Con- 
vention of  the  High  Court  in  Leicester,  England,  in 
1886,  and  in  contradiction  to  the  terms  of  the  charter 
granted  to  the  Subsidiary  High  Court  of  the  United 
States  which  gave  that  body  the  right  "To  make  rules 
and  regulations  for  its  own  government."  The  Chicago 
convention  adopted  resolutions  of  protest,  and,  in  1888, 
the  Reading  Executive  Council  of  the  High  Court  of 
England  issued  an  answer  to  the  Chicago  Declaration, 
directing  the  Subsidiary  High  Court  of  the  United 
States  to  expunge  the  word  "white"  from  its  code  of 
laws.  Like  the  colonists  fighting  against  taxation  with- 
out representation,  our  Brethren  of  those  days  fought 
"government  without  liberty"  and,  at  the  convention 
of  the  Subsidiary  High  Court,  held  at  Minneapolis, 
August  15,  1889,  the  "Forestic  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence" was  adopted  and  the  Foresters  of  America 


118 


g-iven  life  as  a  pure  American  Fraternal  Institution. 
You  observe  the  history  of  this  Order  is  like  the  his- 
tory of  our  country;  it  was  established  as  were  the 
colonies ;  it  grew  and  prospered  as  they  did ;  it  was  im- 
bued with  the  same  love  of  Liberty  and  Equality. 
Under  its  American  Constitution,  the  fraternity  pros- 
pered and  is  now  securely  established  in  nearly  all  the 
States  of  the  nation.  It  is  constantly  increasing  in 
numbers  and  in  strength;  wherever  you  go  in  the 
United  States,  you  will  find  Foresters  who,  by  practic- 
ing the  principles  of  our  Order,  have  supplied  to  the 
community  in  which  they  live  better  citizens,  nobler 
fathers,  brothers  and  sons,  and  made  happier  families. 

This  is  "Foresters'  Day"  and  we  hold  it  sacred  be- 
cause it  is  the  anniversary  of  our  Independence.  On 
this  occasion,  we  renew  our  allegiance  and  praise  the 
wisdom  of  the  founders  of  the  Order. 

The  arranged  program  of  entertainment,  which  can  consist  of 
appropriate  music,  singing,  recitations,  speech-making,  etc.,  can  he 
carried  out. 

C.  R. —  Bro.  Lecturer,  what  do  we  seek  to  convey 
by  the  celebration  of  this  day? 

Lecturer — In  these  ceremonies,  we  commemorate  our 
"Independence  Day"  and  reaffirm  our  devotion  to  the 
principles  that  make  us  one.  Our  growth  cannot  be 
intelligently  followed  without  a  glance  at  the  morale 
and  character  of  our  members.  Our  Order  is  practical 
and  stands  as  a  stately  edifice,  towering  up  in  majestic 
proportions,  the  wonder  and  admiration  of  this  com- 
munity. It  is  built  upon  enduring  foundations,  sup- 
ported by  the  four  pillars  of  Liberty,  Unity,  Benevo- 
lence and  Concord,  and  cemented  together  by  sym- 
pathy, as  the  keystone  of  the  arch  and  the  centre  of  the 
fabric.  We  seek  on  this  occasion  to  do  honor  to  our 
ancient  institution  and  to  impress  upon  our  friends  the 
solidity  of  our  Order,  the  fraternity  we  exemplify,  and 
to  show  that  we  gather  for  beneficial  purposes,  without 
pretentious  display  and  earnestly  carry  out  our  objects. 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  have  you  observed 
any  omissions  in  our  ceremonies? 


119 

S.  C.  R. — No!  Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  our  ceremony 
has  been  regulated  by  the  requirements  of  the  occasion 
and,  in  the  name  of  the  members  of  this  Court,  I  sin- 
cerely thank  our  friends  and  brothers  for  honoring  us 
with  their  presence.  I  hope  they  have  looked  with 
favor  upon  our  efiforts,  and  I  trust  they  will  seriously 
consider  the  lofty  purposes  of  our  Order. 

C.  R. — We  will  sing  our  Closing  Ode.  ^  ^ 


CLOSING  ODE. 

tH — t— 

TUKB— Oid  Hundred 

— 

i  ^ 

 £  

A            £     A  f. 

— f- 

=Ft=3F= 

i  i 
»  (" 

j( — *  <^  '  4i — ^ — * 

1  Good  night!  and  may  we  ever  part  j  2  Good  night!  and  may  our  spirits  rest. 

In  body  single,  one  in  heart;  J         By  no  unkindly  thought  oppressed; 

Each  holding  with  integrity,  I          But  wilh  a  ba])py  eonscioiiBneaa, 

Tn»e  principles  of  Forestry.  J         Of  an  approving  Providence, 


C.  R. — I  thank  you  for  your  attendance,  and  declare 
the  meeting  closed. 


Mothers'  Day  Ceremony 

(Second  Sunday  in  May) 


Members  will  wear  white  carnations 

If  conducted  in  meeting  room,  the  officers  will  occupy  their 
respective  stations.    If  in  a  hall  or  place  other  than  a  meeting 
room,  the  officers  will  occupy  seats  in  a  semi-circle  on  the  stage 
as  shown  by  accompanying  diagram. 
Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 
Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Jr.  Past  Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Necessary  Talent 


122 


CEREMONY 


•5  ^  s 


X 


IS 

i 


I  7?f2Piif  I       ^^^^^^         O.y^.  \T/ISLjr\  l/yWZsl 


C.  R. —  ^  In  recent  years,  there  has  sprung  up  in 
many  portions  of  our  land,  a  beautiful  custom:  that  of 
setting  aside  one  day  in  the  year  to  be  designated  as 
"Mothers'  Day."  Of  the  many  observances  we  have, 
there  is  probably  none  that  appeals  more  to  the  aver- 
age person  than  this;  and,  as  long  as  this  nation  shall 
endure,  may  this  custom  never  die!  We  meet  on  this 
occasion  as  Foresters  of  America  to  celebrate  "Mothers' 
Day."  We  wear  white  carnations  because  of  the  purity 
of  our  love  for  our  Mother.  We  know  that  mothers* 
love  is  the  golden  link  that  binds  youth  to  age:  and  he 
is  still  but  a  child,  however  time  may  have  furrowed 
his  cheek  or  silvered  his  brow,  who  can  yet  receive 
with  softened  heart,  the  fond  devotion  or  the  gentle 
chiding  of  his  mother.  We  will  open  our  ceremony  by 
singing  "Mother,"  and  I  request  that  you  stand  while 
we  sing:  *  *  * 


123 


MOTHER 


p 

f — — 

f — 1 

6 

p-  

r  f 

1 

I've   been  around  the  world,   you  bet,   but  never  vi^ent  to  school, 

Hard  knocks  are  all  I  seem  to  get,  perhaps  I've  been  a  fool; 

But  still,  some  educated  folks,  supposed  to  be  so  swell, 

Would  fail,  if  they  were  called  upon  a  simple  word  to  spell. 

Now  if  you'd  like  to  put  me  to  a  test. 

There's  one  dear  name  that  I  can  spell  the  best: 


"O" 
"T" 
"H' 
"E" 

Put 
A  \ 


Chorus : 

is  for  the  million  things  she  gave  me, 
means  only  that  she's  growing  old; 
is  for  the  tears  were  shed  to  save  me, 
is  for  her  heart  of  pure'st  gold; 
is  for  her  eyes,  with  lovelight  shining, 
means  right,  and  right  she'll  always  be, 
them   all   together,    they   spell  "M-O-T-H-E-R, 
'ord  that  means  the  world  to  me. 


124 


C.  R. —  'jAr  Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  you  will 
please  briefly  explain  the  origin  of  Mothers'  Day. 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — The  establishment  of  this  day  as  one  of 
ceremony  is  the  result  of  a  general  desire  on  the  part  of 
the  American  people  to  honor  their  mother  and  to  pay 
her  a  tribute  of  love  and  respect.  It  was  introduced  as 
a  ceremonial  day  of  this  great  fraternity  at  the  conven- 
tion of  the  Supreme  Court,  held  in  Detroit,  Michigan, 
August  25,  1911,  when  the  following  resolution  was 
unanimously  adopted: 

"That  the  Foresters  of  America  designate  the  sec- 
ond Sunday  in  May  of  each  year  as  Mothers'  Day; 
and  that  the  members  of  the  Order,  on  that 
day,  wear  a  white  carnation  in  respect  to  their 
mothers." 

The  Congress  of  the  United  States,  by  joint  resolu- 
tion, approved  by  the  President,  May  8,  1914,  officially 
designated  "Mothers'  Day"  in  the  following  language: 

"Whereas,  The  service  rendered  the  United  States 
by  the  American  mother  is  the  greatest  source  of 
the  country's  strength  and  inspiration;  and 
"Whereas,  We  honor  ourselves  and  the  Mothers  of 
America  when  we  do  anything  to  give  emphasis  to 
the  home  as  the  fountain  head  of  the  State;  and 
"Whereas,  The  American  Mother  is  doing  so  much 
for  the  home,  for  moral  uplift  and  religion,  hence 
so  much  for  good  government  ^  and  humanity; 

Therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States 
is  hereby  authorized  and  requested  to  issue  a 
proclamation  calling  upon  the  government  offi- 
cials to  display  the  United  States  flag  on  all  gov- 
ernment buildings;  and  the  people  of  the  United 
States  to  display  the  flag  at  their  homes  or  other 
suitable  places  on  the  second  Sunday  in  May,  as 
a  public  expression  of  our  love  and  reverence  for 
the  mothers  of  our  country; 

"That  the  second  Sunday  in  May  shall  hereafter 
be  designated  and  known  as  Mothers'  Day;  and  it 


125 

shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  request  its 
observance  as  provided  for  in  this  resolution." 

Much  has  been  said  and  written  about  Mother.  The 
libraries  of  the  world  are  full  of  gems  of  the  various 
languages  dedicated  to  her  devotion.  Michelet  says, 
"It  is  the  general  rule  that  all  superior  men  inherit  the 
elements  of  their  superiority  from  their  mothers."  To 
this  add  the  words  of  Lincoln,  "All  that  I  am  or  hope 
to  be,  I  owe  to  my  mother" ;  and  the  tribute  of  John 
Quincy  Adams,  "All  that  I  am,  my  mother  made  me." 
Such  acknowledgements  can  be  duplicated  over  and 
over  again  from  the  literature  of  all  the  countries;  and 
the  members  of  our  Order,  by  their  presence  here,  give 
testimony  to  those  truths. 

{The  arranged  program  of  entertainment,  which  can  consist  of 
appropriate  music  singing,  recitations,  speech-making,  etc.,  can  he 
carried  out.) 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  what  was  the  object  in  pro- 
viding, among  our  ceremonies,  the  celebration  of  this 
day? 

Lecturer — To  impress  upon  our  members  the  duty 
they  owe  their  mother. 

C.  R. —  ^  Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  have  our  cere- 
monies been  conducted  in  accordance  with  the  spirit 
and  purposes  of  the  occasion? 

S.  C.  R. — They  have ;  and,  in  the  name  of  the  Order, 
I  thank  those  in  attendance  and  sincerely  hope  that  the 
lessons  of  this  evening  may  impress  us  with  a  due 
sense  of  our  duties. 

C.  R. — We  will  close  our  ceremonies  by  singing, 
"Home,  Sweet  Home."  tIt  'A'  'A' 


126 


HOME.  SWEET  HOME 


'Mid  pleasures  and  palaces  though  we  may  roam, 

Be  it  ever  so  humble,  there's  no  place  like  home; 

A  charm  from  the  skies  seems  to  hallow  us  there, 

Which,  seek  thro'  the  world,  is  ne'er  met  with  elsewhere. 

Home,  home,  sweet,  sweet  home. 

There's  no  place  like  home, 

Oh,  there's  no  place  like  home. 


C.  R. — I  thank  you  for  your  attendance  and  declare 
the  meeting  closed.  ^ 


Arbor  Day  Ceremony 


for  the 


Meeting  Room  or  Public  Hall 

(Date  Set  by  States) 


If  conducted  in  meeting  room,  the  officers  will  occupy  their 
respective  stations.  If  in  a  hall  or  place  other  than  a  meeting 
room,  the  officers  will  occupy  seats  in  a  semi-circle  on  the  stage 
as  shown  by  the  accompanying  diagram. 

Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by: 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Jr.  Past  Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Necessary  Talent 


128 


CEREMONY 


I  M  ^ '  ^  ^  ^  I  H 


rAB££\     ^^^^^^      C.^.  \table\  VtabIFX 


X 


C.  R. —  ^  As  members  of  the  Foresters  of  America 
we  are  here  to  celebrate  Arbor  Day  and  I  extend  fra- 
ternal greetings  to  you  who  join  with  us  on  this  occa- 
sion. We  will  commence  the  ceremony  by  singing, 
"The  Star  Spangled  Banner/'  and  I  request  that  you 
stand  while  we  sing.  ^  ^  ^ 


129 


Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn's  early  light, 
What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming, 
Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro'  the  perilous  fight. 
O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch'd,  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 
Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 

C.  R. —  ^  Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  you  will  please 
inform  us  as  to  how  the  ancients  regarded  the  trees  and 
what  is  the  real  object  of  Arbor  Day. 

Jr.  P.  C.  R. — While  Arbor  Day  is  of  recent  origin, 
festivals  in  connection  with  trees  date  back  to  the  most 
remote  ages.  Among  almost  all  the  ancient  nations 
trees  were  considered  sacred,  and  were  worshipped 
with  more  or  less  elaborate  ceremonies.  Probably  the 
earliest  record  of  tree  worship  is  found  on  the  engraved 
cylinders  of  Chaldea,  which  date  back  to  4000  B.  C 
Later  records  are  found  on  the  Assyrian  monuments, 
and  records  show  that  tree  worship  existed  in  Baby- 
lonia, Phoenicia  and  ancient  Palestine  and  Persia. 
Among  the  ancient  Egyptions,  trees  were  worshipped 
with  sacrifices  and  elaborate  ceremonies.  In  ancient 
India,  tree  worship  was  common,  and  the  fig  tree  was 
held  sacred  as  the  ''tree  of  life."  The  worship  of  the 
tree  has  prevailed,  at  one  time  or  another,  in  every 
country  in  Europe.  Among  the  northern  nations  and 
in  ancient  Germany,  trees  were  sacred,  and  many  of  the 
religious  ceremonies  and  festivals  were  connected  with 
trees  and  were  held  in  the  sacred  groves.  The  Druids, 
in  ancient  Britain,  held  their  religious  ceremonies  in  the 
forests,  and  the  oak  tree  played  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent parts  in  their  observances.  Trees  and  tree  wor- 
ship played  important  parts  in  the  religion  of  Greece 
and  Rome,  and  classical  literature  is  full  of  allusions 
to  trees.  Tree  worship  also  existed  in  ancient  Mexico 
and  Central  America.  Practically,  all  the  uncivilized 
races  at  the  present  time  indulge  in  some  form  of  tree 
worship;  and  in  civilized  countries  many  superstitions 
and  observances  connected  with  trees  may  be  traced 
back  to  the  customs  and  beliefs  associated  with  the 
ancient  worship  of  trees.  The  present  Arbor  Day  cere- 
monies, however,  differ  entirely  in  origin  and  spirit 
from  these  old  customs.    While  its  observance  teaches 


130 


a  love  for  the  beauties  of  nature,  the  general  spirit  of 
the  observance  is  eminently  practical.  Almost  all  our 
other  festivals  and  holidays  celebrate  the  past.  Arbor 
Day  is  devoted  to  something  which  will  be  of  future 
use  and  benefit  to  the  community. 

(The  arranged  program  of  entertainment,  which  can  consist  of 
appropriate  music,  singing,  recitations,  speech-making,  etc.,  can  be 
carried  out.) 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  what  does  our  Order  seek 
to  convey  by  the  celebration  of  Arbor  Day? 

Lecturer — This  day,  to  the  Foresters  of  America,  is, 
indeed,  of  importance  because,  as  an  Order,  we  are  con- 
nected by  tradition  to  the  forest  where  it  is  said  we  had 
our  origin  in  the  early  days  of  the  eleventh  century. 
It  is,  therefore,  but  natural  that  this  great  fraternity 
should  strongly  favor  and  advocate  the  preservation  of 
the  tree  and  the  consequent  growth  of  the  forest.  We 
desire  to  teach  the  present  and  coming  generations  that 
a  community's  welfare  is  greatly  advanced  by  the  plant- 
ing and  culture  of  trees.  The  forest  is  nature's  fortress 
and  is  established  and  developed  by  the  Creator  for  the 
benefit  of  us — His  children.  We  earnestly  entreat  you 
who  have,  on  this  occasion,  honored  us  with  your  pres- 
ence, to  associate  yourselves  with  us  in  this  work  so  it 
may  be  said  that  together  we  have  benefited  the  nation. 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  have  the  objects 
of  this  service  been  fully  observed? 

S.  C.  R. — They  have,  Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  and  we 
hope  for  the  perpetuation  of  the  grand  purposes  for 
which  Arbor  Day  was  established. 

C.  R. — We  will  close  our  services  by  singing, 
"America."  *  *  * 


131 


AMERICA 


My  country,  'tis  of  thee. 

Sweet  land  of  liberty. 

Of  thee  I  sing; 

Il»and  where  my  fathers  died, 

Land  of  the  pilgrims'  pride. 

From  ev'ry  mountain  side 

Let  freedom  ringt 


Let  music  swell  the  breeze. 
And  ring  from  all  the  trees. 
Sweet  freedom's  song; 
Let  mortal  tongues  awake; 
Let  all  that  breathe  partake. 
Let  rocks  their  silence  break. 
The  sound  prolong. 


My  native  country  thee. 
Land  of  the  noble  free. 
Thy  name  I  love; 
I  love  thy  rocks  and  rllVa, 
Thy  woods  and  templed  hills; 
My  heart  with  rapture  thrills 
Like  that  above. 


Our  father's  God,  to  thee. 

Author  of  liberty. 

To  thee  we  sing: 

Long  may  our  land  be  bright 

With  freedom's  holy  light; 

Protect  us  by  thy  might. 

Great  God,  our  King! 


C.  R. — I  ask  you  to  be  true  and  loyal  to  our  prin- 
ciples, and  let  us  renew  our  pledge  to  foster  Liberty, 
Unity,  Benevolence  and  Concord  amongst  membership 
of  this  Order  and  the  whole  human  race.  I  thank 
you  for  your  attendance,  and  declare  this  meeting 
closed.  ^ 


Arbor  Day 
Outside  Ceremony 

(Date  Set  by  States) 


Ceremony  will  be  conducted  by : 

Chief  Ranger 
Sub-Chief  Ranger 
Lecturer 

Senior  Woodward 
Junior  Woodward 
Senior  Beadle 
Necessary  Talent 


134 


This  ceremony  is  intended  for  tree  planting  and  should  be 
executed  so  as  to  make  an  impression  on  the  public.  The  officers 
and  members  will  wear  white  gloves.  Officers  will  wear  regalia, 
and  members  will  don  the  official  parade  badges. 

Those  taking  part  will  assemble  at  the  appointed  time  and  place 
and  proceed  as  is  herein  provided.  Drill  teams  in  full  uniform 
are  permitted  to  take  part. 

The  formation  should  be  in  a  half  circle  with  the  Chief 
Ranger  in  the  center,  supported  on  right  and  left  by  the 
officers  and  members.  The  Woodwards  should  be  stationed 
at  either  end  of  the  line. 

Preparations  must  be  made  in  advance  so  the  operations  will 
not  be  delayed.  A  United  States  flag  of  regulation  size  on  staff 
should  be  carried  by  the  Senior  and  Junior  Beadles  to  the  front 
of  the  half  circle  and  held  by  these  officers  with  the  staff  resting 
on  the  ground  in  front  of,  but  to  the  right  of,  the  Chief  Ranger. 


CEREMONY 

^  ^  S  .  ^  ^  ^*     M  ^  ^ 


X 


C.  R. — As  members  of  the  Foresters  of  America, 
we  are  here  to  celebrate  Arbor  Day  by  the  planting  of 
this  tree.  I  extend  fraternal  greetings  and  assure  you 
that  our  Order  is  not  dependent  upon  mere  rites  and 
ceremonies,  intended,  perhaps,  to  captivate  the  imagina- 
tion, but  is  based  on  high  and  noble  principles.  It  com- 
prehends lessons  of  ethical  importance.  Its  purpose  is 
to  cultivate  the  sentiment  of  manhood,  and  to  teach  the 
obligations  of  man  to  his  fellow-man.  It  seeks  to  in- 
spire a  love  for  all  that  is  true  and  patriotic  in  life  and 
to  fill  the  hearts  with  an  ardent  desire  to  reach  the 
highest  degree  of  perfection.    In  these  days  and  times, 


135 


when  man  is  directing  his  greatest  energies  to  the  build- 
ing of  colossal  fortunes,  when  the  accumulation  of 
wealth  is  the  Alpha  and  Omega  of  so  many  men's  lives, 
and,  in  the  pursuit  of  which,  it  is  possible  that  they 
may  ride  rough  shod  over  the  rights  of  others,  poorer 
and  weaker  than  they,  it  is  the  duty  of  Orders  like  ours 
to  teach  the  lessons  of  fraternity  and  the  doctrine  of  the 
common  brotherhood  of  man.  These  services  are  a 
part  of  our  work  and  in  this  tree  planting  we  exemplify 
the  high  ideals  of  our  institution.  We  will  commence 
the  ceremony  by  singing,  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner." 


\ 


Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn's  early  ligrht, 
What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming. 
Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro*  the  perilous  fight. 
O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch'd,  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 
Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 


C.  R. — Brother  Past  Chief  Ranger,  you  will  please 
inform  us  as  to  how  the  ancients  regarded  the  trees  and 
what  is  the  real  object  of  Arbor  Day. 


136 


Jr.  P.  C.  R. — While  Arbor  Day  is  of  recent  origin, 

festivals  in  connection  with  trees  date  back  to  the  most 
remote  ages.  Among  almost  all  the  ancient  nations, 
trees  were  considered  sacred,  and  were  worshipped 
with  more  or  less  elaborate  ceremonies.  Probably  the 
earliest  record  of  tree  worship  is  found  on  the  engraved 
cylinders  of  Chaldea,  which  date  back  to  4000  B.  C. 
Later  records  are  found  on  the  Assyrian  monuments, 
and  records  show  that  tree  worship  existed  in  Baby- 
lonia, Phoenicia,  and  ancient  Palestine  and  Persia. 
Among  the  ancient  Eg}^ptians,  trees  were  worshipped 
with  sacrifices  and  elaborate  ceremonies.  In  ancient 
India,  tree  worship  was  common,  and  the  fig  tree  was 
held  sacred  as  the  "tree  of  life."  The  worship  of  the 
tree  has  prevailed,  at  one  time  or  anothei,  in  every 
country  in  Europe.  Among  the  northern  nations  and 
in  ancient  Germany,  trees  were  sacred,  and  many  of 
the  religious  ceremonies  and  festivals  were  connected 
with  trees  and  were  held  in  the  sacred  groves.  The 
Druids,  in  ancient  Britain,  held  their  religious  cere- 
monies in  the  forests,  and  the  oak  tree  played  one  of 
the  most  prominent  parts  in  their  observances.  Trees 
and  tree  worship  played  important  parts  in  the  religion 
of  Greece  and  Rome,  and  classical  literature  is  full  of 
allusions  to  trees.  Tree  worship  also  existed  in  ancient 
Mexico  and  Central  America.  Practically  all  the  un- 
civilized races  at  the  present  time  indulge  in  some 
form  of  tree  worship ;  and,  in  civilized  countries,  many 
superstitions  and  observances  connected  with  trees  may 
be  traced  back  to  the  customs  and  beliefs  associated 
with  the  ancient  worship  of  trees.  The  present  Arbor 
Day  ceremonies,  however,  differ  entirely  in  origin  and 
spirit  from  these  old  customs.  While  its  obseo^ance 
teaches  a  love  for  the  beauties  of  nature,  the  general 
spirit  of  the  observance  is  eminently  jpractical.  Almost 
all  our  other  festivals  and  holidays  celebrate  the  past. 
Arbor  Day  is  devoted  to  something  which  will  be  of 
future  use  and  benefit  to  the  community. 

C.  R. — The  Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  will  now 
proceed  to  plant  this  tree. 

Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  do  so.    After  the  tree  is  planted: 


137 


Jr.  W. — Brother  Senior  Woodward,  what  name  shall 
be  given  this  tree? 

Sr.  W. — We  shall  name  this  tree  

Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  now  grasp  the  trunk  of  the 
tree  and  say  in  unison : 

Sr.  W.      Jr.  W. — I  herewith  name  this  tree  

Senior  and  Junior  Woodwards  now  retire  to  their  former 
positions  at  either  end  of  the  half  circle. 

The  arranged  program  of  entertainment,  which  can  consist  of 
appropriate  music,  singing,  recitations,  speech-making,  etc.,  can  be 
carried  out. 

C.  R. — Brother  Lecturer,  what  does  our  Order  seek 
to  convey  by  the  celebration  of  Arbor  Day? 

Lecturer — This  day,  to  the  Foresters  of  America,  is, 
indeed,  of  importance  because,  as  an  Order,  we  are 
connected  by  tradition  to  the  forest  where  it  is  said 
we  had  our  origin  in  'the  early  days  of  the  eleventh 
century.  It  is,  therefore,  but  natural  that  this  great 
fraternity  should  strongly  favor  and  advocate  the  pre- 
servation of  the  tree  and  the  consequent  growth  of  the 
forest.  We  desire  to  teach  the  present  and  coming 
generations  that  a  community's  welfare  is  greatly  ad- 
vanced by  the  planting  and  culture  of  trees.  The  for- 
est is  nature's  fortress  and  is  established  and  developed 
by  the  Creator  for  the  benefit  of  us — His  children.  We 
earnestly  entreat  you  who  have,  on  this  occasion,  hon- 
V  ored  us  with  your  presence,  to  associate  yourselves 
with  us  in  this  work  so  it  may  be  said  that  together  we 
have  benefited  the  nation. 

C.  R. — Brother  Sub-Chief  Ranger,  have  the  objects 
of  this  service  been  fully  observed? 

S.  C.  R. — They  have,  Worthy  Chief  Ranger,  and  we 
hope  for  the  perpetuation  of  the  grand  purposes  for 
which  Arbor  Day  Avas  established. 

C.  R. — We  will  close  our  services  by  singing 
"America." 


138 


AMERICA 


•J  « 

•3-  « 

• 

■ 

e.  -I 

9-  • 

#■ 

-••               t  t 

— 1 

My  country,  'tis  of  thee, 

Sweet  land  of  liberty, 

Of  thee  I  sing; 

Land  where  my  fathers  died, 

Land  of  the  pilgrims'  pride. 

From  ev'ry  mountain  side 

Let  freedom  ring! 

My  native  country  thee, 

Land  of  the  noble  free, 

Thy  name  I  love; 

I  love  thy  rocks  and  rills. 

Thy  woods  and  templed  hills; 

My  heart  with  rapture  thrills 

Like  that  above. 


Let  music  swell  th«  breeze. 
And  ring  from  all  the  trees. 
Sweet  freedom's  song; 
Let  mortal  tongues  awake; 
Let  all  that  breathe  partake; 
Let  rocks  their  silence  break. 
The  sound  prolong. 

Our  fathers'  God,  to  thee. 

Author  of  liberty. 

To  thee  we  sing: 

Long  may  our  land  be  brlgrht 

With  freedoms'  holy  light; 

Protect  us  by  thy  might. 

Great  God,  our  King! 


C.  R. — I  ask  you  to  be  true  and  loyal  to  our  prin- 
ciples and  let  us  renew  our  pledge  to  foster  Liberty, 
Unity,  Benevolence  and  Concord  amongst  the  member- 
ship of  this  Order  and  the  human  race.  I  thank  you 
for  your  attendance,  and  declare  the  ceremony  closed. 


Dedication 


Q         of  a 


Hall  or  Meeting  Room 


Ceremony  will  be  performed  by: 

Grand  Chief  Ranger  (or  Deputy) 

Three  Grand  Heralds 

And  the  necessary  officers  of  the  Court. 


140 


CEREMONY 

This  ceremon}-  may  be  performed  in  public  or  in  a  Court 
room  with  closed  doors.  If  public,  all  honors  should  be 
omitted.  If  admission  be  restricted  to  members  of  the  Order, 
the  Court  will  first  be  opened  in  due  form  and  Beadles  sta- 
tioned at  the  door.  The  Grand  Court  Officers  and  the  Heralds 
(at  least  three),  properly  clothed,  will  form  in  anteroom  as 
usual,  approach  the  inner  door,  at  which  the  Grand  Herald 
will  give,  if  public  il  private,  Senior  Beadle  opens 

wicket. 

G.  H. — The  Grand  Chief  Ranger  and  other  officers 
of  the  Grand  Court  desire  to  be  admitted  for  the  pur- 
pose of  dedicating-  this  hall  to  the  uses  of  the  Foresters 
of  America  and  the  diffusion  of  the  principles  of  Lib- 
erty, Unity,  Benevolence  and  Concord. 

S.  B. — Enter  in  the  name  of  Liberty,  Unity.  Benevo- 
lence and  Concord. 

C.  R.-  ★  ★  ★  ★ 

The  Grand  Court  Officers  enter  in  the  order  of  their  titles; 
the  Heralds  in  the  rear.  March  once  around  hall  and  advance 
to  altar;  the  Heralds  taking  positions  about  one  pace  to  the 
rear.  If  dedication  be  public,  gives  military  salute;  if  private, 
salutation  sign. 

c.  R.-  ★ 

Chief  Ranger  leaves  his  station,  advances,  and  places  keys,  title, 
papers,  or  leases,  upon  altar,  and  steps  back  about  two  paces, 

C.  R. —  (From  position  on  floor  facing  Grand  Chief 
Ranger.)  Worthy  Grand  Chief  Ranger,  the  work  upon 
which^  we  have  been  engaged  is  now  com.pleted,  and 
this  hall  may  be  set  apart  and  dedicated  to  Liberty,  to 
Unity,  to  Benevolence  and  to  Concord. 

G.  C.  R. — Brothers,  I  congratulate  you  upon  your  en- 
terprise, and  commend  those  principles  of  economy  and 
indefatigable  industry  which  have  wrought  out  for  you 
this  splendid  work.    I  am  ready  to  proceed. 

Chief  Ranger  conducts  Grand  Chief  Ranger  to  station  of  Chief 
Ranger.  Chief  Ranger  stands  at  right  of  Grand  Chief  Ranger. 
Heralds  and  other  Grand  Officers  remain  standing  at  altar. 

G.  C.  R. —  'At  The  Grand  Officers  will  assume  their 
respective  stations.    (Grand  Officers  do  so^    The  dedi- 


141 


cation  of  a  hall  to  the  uses  that  our  watchwords  imply 
should  be  more  than  a  matter  of  form.  Back  of  our 
ceremony  is  a  sentiment  with  a  meaning  that  is  old  and 
deep.  The  act  that  to-night  renders  this  hall  sacred  to 
those  graces  of  mind  and  soul  which  our  Order  pro- 
fesses, implies  that  the  hearts  of  men  are,  after  all,  the 
soil  in  which  those  graces  grow.  The  dedicated  hall  or 
meeting  place  is  an  old  institution.  As  a  centralizer  of 
thought,  a  harmonizer  of  action,  a  rallying  point  of  in- 
spirational sentiment,  there  are  no  human  agencies  im- 
mortalized in  history  that  have  done  so  much  to  refine 
and  elevate  mankind.  The  savage  hordes,  that  made 
the  cruel  history  clustering  about  the  basin  of  the  Eu- 
phrates, had  their  dedicated  halls;  the  teeming  millions 
in  the  weird  stories  of  the  valley  of  the  Nile  had  theirs. 
But  those  halls,  along  with  the  nightmare  gods  with 
which  many  of  them  were  decorated,  have  all  passed 
away,  and  there  are  few  works  on  the  banks  of  either 
river  that  show  more  than  the  place  of  the  old  dweller's 
burial,  or  tell  more  than  the  story  of  his  funeral.  The 
first  hall  ever  dedicated,  the  Temple  of  Jerusalem,  has 
endured  no  better  than  the  others.  Without  sacrilege, 
it  may  be  said  that  it  seemed  to  have  been  built  be- 
yond man's  reach,  and  to  connect  humanity  with  the 
God  beyond,  yet  it  failed  to  teach  their  vital  relation. 
It  offered  no  suggestion  to  man  that,  after  all,  it  was 
his  own  common,  every-day  feelings  and  aspirations 
that  were  to  lead  him  to  the  higher  life,  if  ever  he 
reached  it,  whether  they  led  him  by  way  of  his  dedi- 
cated temple  or  not.  But  a  change  came ;  a  change  that 
crowned  the  Acropolis,  above  the  city  of  Athens,  with 
a  glory  of  art  that  the  world  has  never  approximated. 
The  Greek  loved  liberty  and  adored  benevolence,  and 
a  single  act  of  outraged  hospitality  furnished  Homer 
with  a  theme  for  th*e  Iliad  and  Odyssey,  those  grand 
epics  that  are  unapproached  and  unapproachable. 
Sappho,  whose  sex  Greece  had  raised  to  something  of 
the  position  that  the  mothers  and  wives  of  men  should 
fill,  poured  out  her  soul  to  love  and  conjugal  affection; 
and  Phidias  and  Praxiteles,  catching  the  inspiration, 
led  the  sculptors  into  those  God-like  inspirations  that 
have  filled  the  world's  museums  with  their  most  pre- 
cious treasures,  and  yet  have  left  the  story  of  Greece 


142 


still  intact  in  the  grand  ruins  of  the  Acropolis.  The 
reason  for  their  lasting  fame  is  this:  their  halls  were 
dedicated  to  human  graces;  they  made  the  human 
form  their  model,  human  passion  their  theme,  and  the 
human  home  and  country,  for  time  and  for  eternity, 
their  ultimate  object  and  design.  They  enthralled  the 
ages  because  they  lifted  man's  present  world  into  a 
brighter  light  and  glorified  his  prospective  heaven  with 
the  smiles  and  voices  of  his  own  dead.  May  the  graces 
of  mind  and  soul  to  which  we  dedicate  this  hall  make 
their  impression  upon  you,  and  inspire  you  with  a 
proper  appreciation  of  their  vital  influence  upon  the 
present  and  future  welfare  of  man! 


G.  C.  R. —  *  *  ^  We  will  sing  the  first  verse  of 
"Home,  Sweet  Home." 

HOME,  SWEET  HOME 


'Mid  pleasures  and  palaces  though  we  may  roam. 

Be  it  ever  so  humble,  there's  no  place  like  home; 

A  charm  from  the  skies  seems  to  hallow  us  there. 

Which  seek  thro'  the  world,  is  ne'er  met  with  elsewhere. 

Home,  home,  sweet,  sweet  home. 

There's  no  place  like  home, 

Oh,  there's  no  place  like  home. 


143 


When  the  singing  is  completed,  the  Heralds  will  advance  to  a 
position  in  front  of,  and  about  two  feet  from,  Grand  Chief 
Ranger. 

Grand  Chief  Ranger  will  hand  to  one  Herald  an  American 
flag,  to  one  a  ring  and  to  another  a  cup  of  water.  The  Wood- 
wards will  advance  to  altar  and  arrange  on  it  the  Charter  of 
Court,  held  in  place  with  crossed  sabres. 

G.  C.  R. —  -ic  Brothers,  you  will  be  attentive  while  our 
Heralds,  according  to  the  solemn  rites  of  our  Order, 
dedicate  this  hall.  Brother  Heralds,  proceed  to  the 
performance  of  your  duties. 

Heralds  advance  to  altar  and  take  positions  in  a  semi-circle 
facing  Grand  Chief  Ranger. 

First  Herald — In  the  name  of  Liberty,  I  unfurl  the 
Stars  and  Stripes,  emblem  of  the  freedom  of  humanity, 
and  dedicate  this  hall  to  the  practice  of  those  principles 
which  preserve  Liberty  to  man. 

G.  C.  R. — Remember,  Brothers,  that  the  price  of  Lib- 
erty is  eternal  vigilance,  and  he  who  loves  Liberty 
renders  cheerfully  unto  every  man  the  rights  which  he 
himself  claims. 

Second  Herald — In  the  name  of  Benevolence,  I  dedi- 
cate this  hall  (drops  a  small  quantity  of  water  on  floor). 
As  this  water,  descending  from  heaven,  falls  alike  upon 
V  the  just  and  unjust,  so  should  our  Benevolence,  burst- 
ing the  bounds  of  these  walls,  succor  and  relieve  the 
suffering  of  our  Brotherhood  wherever  found. 

G.  C.  R. — For  your  bounty,  let  there  be  no  winter; 
for  your  kindly  administrations  to  your  Brothers,  no 
autumn;  but  to  the  home  of  the  suffering  bring  sun- 
shine, and  to  the  heart  bowed  down  with  grief,  the  in- 
spiration of  hopeful,  helpful  words.  May  your  every 
act  and  deed  be  to  the  glory  and  prosperity  of  our 
Order,  and  may  your  charity  do  you  honor  forever 
more. 


144 


All— So  let  it  be. 

Third  Herald — In  the  name  of  Unity  and  Concord,  I 
dedicate  this  hall  to  one  law,  one  fraternity,  and  one 
destiny.    Like  this  ring,  our  fraternal  circle  i?  complete. 

"Our  Union  is  river,  lake,  ocean  and  sky; 
Man  breaks  not  the  medal  when  God  cuts  the  die." 

G.  C.  R. — Brothers,  if  we  are  united,  our  society 
must  flourish.  Let  us  continue  in  peace  and  good  fel- 
lowship, united  in  the  same  grand  design.  Let  us  be 
happy  ourselves  and  endeavor  to  contribute  to  the  hap- 
piness of  others. 

All — Let  us  so  strive. 

G.  C.  R. — In  brotherly  love  let  us  all  abide.  No 
sound  should  be  heard  within  these  walls  but  the  voice 
of  kindness,  comfort  and  encouragement. 

First  Herald — In  the  name  of  the  Foresters  of  Amer- 
ica and  in  its  cause,  I  dedicate  this  hall  to  patriotism, 
to  love  of  country,  to  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  but,  above 
all,  to  that  brotherhood  which  we  trust  shall,  in  time, 
bind  in  the  mystic  circle  of  our  loved  fraternity  all  the 
people  of  every  nation  and  every  clime. 

Second  Herald— I  dedicate  this  hall  to  the  kindly  vir- 
tues, to  peace,  to  order,  to  charity,  to  good-will  to  all 
men. 

Third  Herald — To  Concord  and  Unity,  I  dedicate  this 
hall.  If  the  Brothers  will  be  united  in  Concord,  ener- 
getic in  action,  and  faithful  in  service.  Forestry  will 
extend  its  boundaries,  enlarge  its  usefulness,  and  bring 
to  the  world  peace  and  good  will  to  all  men. 

G.  C.  R.— We  will  sing  the  first  verse  of  the  "Star 
Spangled  Banner."       ^  ^ 


145 


Oh,  say,  can  you  see,  by  the  dawn's  early  light, 
What  so  proudly  we  hail'd  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming, 
Whose  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  thro'  the  perilous  fight. 
O'er  the  ramparts  we  watch' d,  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  in  air. 
Gave  proof  thro'  the  night  that  our  flag  was  still  there. 
Oh,  say,  does  that  star-spangled  banner  yet  wave 
O'er  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  brave. 

G.  C.  R.—  * 

(A  program  of  entertainment  may  be  here  provided,  consist- 
ing of  appropriate  selections,  speeches,  etc.) 

G.  C.  R. —  ^  Brothers  of  this  Court,  this  to  you  is 
an  auspicious  moment.  Pregnant  with  all  good  things, 
you  have  but  to  persevere,  labor  faithfully,  and  zeal- 
ously pursue  the  v^ay  of  progress,  live  as  your  con- 
science directs,  and  soon  the  the  songs  of  Forestry  will 
be  heard  at  every  fireside.  May  wisdom  be  in  all  your 
doings,  and  may  the  beauty  of  harmony  and  holiness 
shine  out  in  all  your  actions!  To  you  is  committed 
the  honor  of  Forestry.  If  you  be  false  to  your  obliga- 
tions, untrue  to  your  duty,  Forestry  will  become  a  re- 
proach; but,  if  harmony,  virtue,  love,  and  truth  rule 


146 


your  conduct,  peaceful  joy  will  reign  in  your  hearts, 
and  Forestry,  crowned  by  your  good  deeds,  will  be 
honored  by  all  men.  May  peace  ever  rest  upon  this 
Court;  may  prosperity  mark  its  progress;  may  we  have 
the  pure  teachings  of  our  fraternity  always  in  our 
minds;  may  we  love  and  honor  one  another;  and  may 
each  so  live  that  we  will  deserve  the  affection  of  our 
friends,  our  Brothers,  and  our  neighbors,  and  above  all 
the  commendation  of  the  great  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse! May  this  Court  be  blessed  by  the  spirit  of 
benevolence,  and  when  the  time  of  our  labor  is  draw- 
ing near  to  an  end,  and  the  pillar  of  our  strength  is  de- 
clining to  the  ground,  may  our  Brothers  say  of  us,  as 
of  old,  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant!" 

G.  C.  R. —  'it  ^  By  virtue  of  the  Constitution  and 
General  Laws  of  the  Order,  I  now  declare  this  hall 
dedicated  and  set  apart  for  the  uses  and  purposes  of 
the  Foresters  of  America.  Herein  may  the  Brothers 
meet  for  the  dissemination  of  the  principles  of  Liberty, 
Unity,  Benevolence  and  Concord,  to  relieve  the  sick, 
aid  the  distressed,  and  bury  the  dead.  Heaven  fires  all 
the  faculties  with  glorious  joys.  In  this  quiet  retreat 
is  to  be  cultivated  that  spirit  of  Benevolence  which  be- 
friends and  relieves  with  unhesitating  cordiality  every 
Brother  who  shall  need  assistance;  which  says  to  the 
widow,  *'Hopel"  and  to  the  orphan,  "Rejoice!"  Here 
Concord  chastens  the  spirit,  smooths  differences,  and 
brings  us  into  the  communion  of  Brotherhood  of  a 
common  fraternity;  here  Unity  teaches  us  to  pay  due 
deference  to  our  superiors,  inspires  us  to  behave  with 
decorum,  lest  the  beauty  and  harmony  of  our  meeting 
be  broken,  and  binds  us  in  the  mystic  chains  of  sym- 
pathy. I  hope  and  trust  that  the  Brothers  of  this 
Court  and  the  Brethren  of  the  Order  throughout  this 
great  nation  shall  continue  upon  their  luminous  course, 
from  triumph  to  triumph,  until  at  last  they  meet  in 
joy  forever  more  before  the  Grand  Chief  Ranger  of  the 
Universe. 

G.  C.  R. — This  hall  having  been  dedicated  as  is  re- 
quired by  the  Foresters  of  America,  I  now  declare  the 
services  closed,  -^i^ 


147 

Floor  Plan  of  Court  Room 


V  r 


X  X   X  X  X 


n  ^'3'  

Diagram  No.  1 


148 

Draping  of  Altar  With  Flag 


Diagram  No.  2 


149 


Entrance,  and  Capture  of  Candidate 


Alta/z 


/  X0 


IS.fVA  s 


Diagram  No.  3 


Diagram  No.  4 


151 


Return  of  Guard  and  Candidate  to  Chief  Ranger 


C.>e. 


Diagram  No.  5 


Diagram  No.  6 


153 


March  to  and  Position  at  the  Altar  While  Candidate  Is 
Being  Obligated 


Diagram  No.  7 


1&4 


Dismissal  of  Guards  at  Altar  After  the  Candidate  Has 
Been  Obligated 


Diagram  No.  8 


155 

Tableau  of 


BLUE  GRAY 

Diagjam  No.  9 


156 

Tableau  of  Benevolence 


Diagram  No.  10 


Diagram  No.  11 


158 

Return  of  Candidate  From  Anti-room  and  Conflict  With 

Indians 


Diagram  No.  12 


Formation 

for 

Church  or  Memorial  Services 


160 


Formation 

The  Marshal  shall  be  the  Captain  of  the  Guard. 

The  Marshal  shall  appoint  two  assistant  Marshals. 

The  Brothers  shall  convene  at  the  Court  Room,  at  an  hour 
named,  clothed  in  dark-colored  suits,  with  dark  hats  and  white 
gloves.  The  Guard  shall  appear  as  in  initiation  ceremony.  All 
Brothers  shall  wear  member's  regalia. 

The  march  shall  be  from  the  Court  Room  in  columns  of  two,, 
and  in  the  order  following: 

The  Chief  Ranger  and  Junior  Past  Chief  Ranger. 

All  other  officers,  except  the  Beadles,  in  the  order  of  their 
rank. 

The  Guard. 

Visiting  Brothers. 

The  Members. 

The  Beadles. 

The  Marshal  to  right,  Assistant  Marshals  to  left  of  column,, 
and  as  church  is  entered  Marshals  fall  to  the  rear  of  Beadles. 

In  this  order  enter  church. 

Upon  leaving,  column  retires  in  reverse  order;  on  sidewalk,, 
column  opens,  order  **Halt!"  falls  right  and  left,  and  officers,, 
members,  etc.,  pass  on,  countermarch,  closing  ranks  to  first 
formation,  then  continues  to  Court  Room,  and  dismiss. 


